# BIOCHEMISTRY AND EXPRESSION OF Q/TL REGION GENE PRODUCTS

> **NIH NIH R01** · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · 1993 · $132,750

## Abstract

This proposal requests support for the continued investigation of the Q
and T region class Ib genes and their products.  These major
histocompatibility complex antigens are similar in structure to the
classical class I molecules; however, biological functions have yet to
be established clearly.  Our efforts focus on the structure/function of
the Qa-1, TL, and Qa-2 molecules and the molecular regulation of th T18
and T23 genes.  Direct evidence for mechanisms through which the
classical class I molecules restrict recognition of antigen by T cells
came from the proof that they bound endogenous peptides and the
determination of amino acid sequences for these prptides.  It is
suspected but not proven that the Q and T region encoded molecules
similarly bind peptides derived from self and foreign antigen.  Our first
aim is to isolate the Qa-1, TL, and Qa-2 molecules from cell lines and
determine the amino acid sequence of peptides released from their antigen
binding clefts.  This line of investigation will 1) define what types of
antigens can be presented by these class I molecules; 2) determine
whether their functions are specialized or generalized like classical
class I antigens; and 30 provide a foundation for more detailed
structural analyses.  We previously determined that the T23 gene encoded
the Qa-1b molecule and our second aim addresses distinctive features of
this protein.  We will isolate the characterize an H-2S region gene
designated Qsm responsible for a modification of Qa-1 that leads to
alternative cell surface forma.  We also will address mechanisms
responsible for the rapid turnover of Qa-1 and dependence upon
oligosaccharide for cell surface expression.  Our third aim is to define
regulatory elements responsible for the control of expression of the T18
and T23 genes.  T18, which encodes TL, has a very restricted tissue
distribution, while T23 which encodes Qa-1 has a more or less ubiquitous
level of expression.  Neither of these genes have in their 5' regions the
consensus regulatory elements of classical class I genes.  Thus, a
delineation of the promoter/enhancer regions and transcription factors
that bind to these elements will provide new information regarding tissue
specific versus constitutive expression of class I genes.  We have found
that T18 has an unusual promoter and will dissect it further as part of
this aim.  We are confident that these proposed studies will answer
pertinent and fundamental questions about the immune function of the Q
and T region molecules and mechanisms that regulate their expression and
further our understanding of the biological roles of class I molecules
in general.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3127503
- **Project number:** 2R01AI017897-12A1
- **Recipient organization:** BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- **SAM.gov UEI:** FXKMA43NTV21
- **Principal Investigator:** RICHARD G COOK
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1993
- **Award amount:** $132,750
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1981-04-01 → 1996-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3127503

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3127503, BIOCHEMISTRY AND EXPRESSION OF Q/TL REGION GENE PRODUCTS (2R01AI017897-12A1). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3127503. Licensed CC0.

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