The influence of genes mapping within the major histocompatibility complex on resistance to Trichuris muris infections in mice

Abstract

Two panels of H-2 recombinant strains of mice were used in an attempt to map the H-2-linked genes which control resistance to infection with Trichuris muris. Response phenotypes could be related to the presence of 'resistance' (q,b) or 'susceptibility' (k,d) alleles at I-A. The influence of these genes was modulated by other alleles, particularly q or d alleles, at the D end of the H-2. Absence of I-E molecules correlated with resistance to infection in some but not all strains studied. Thus the (B10.BR x B10.G) F1 strain which expressed I-Ek gene products was resistant to infection. A study of the time-course of infection in strains of mice expressing q alleles throughout the H-2 on 4 different genetic backgrounds (NIH, SWR, DBA and B10) revealed that most strains were resistant to infection. However, the DBA/1 strain exhibited differential responsiveness, 4 out of 6 individuals harbouring mature adult parasites on day 35 post-infection.