# IMMUNOGENETICS OF THE SKN ANTIGENIC SYSTEMS

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO · 1993 · $112,463

## Abstract

The Skn alloantigens of the mouse, expressed only by cells of the skin (and
possibly the nervous system) is one of the instances of a true tissue-
specific histoincompatibility.  They were recognized by the invariable and
prompt rejection of A and (B6xA)F1 donor skin grafts by lethally irradiated
B6 mice reconstituted with (B6xA)F1 bone marrow or spleen cells [(B6xA/B6
chimeras], and serologically with Skn specific antiserum and monoclonal
antibodies which react exclusively with epidermal cells of A mice.  The
primary objective of this proposal is to develop molecular genetic probes
for the biochemical and molecular characterization of the Skn
histocompatibility systems.  A molecular approach will facilitate studies
designed to determine the expression and function of these skin-selective
alloantigens.  With the development of Skn-specific monoclonal antibodies,
and the isolation of a possible Skn polypeptide, during the previous
funding period, the study of the Skn histocompatibility systems using
molecular technology is now possible.  The first two aims are proposed to
address this important objective.  The first aim is to purify, characterize
and sequence Skn alloantigen(s).  We have identified a protein of
approximately 94 kDa from A epidermal lysates which will be initially
characterized and sequenced.  Using this information oligonucleotide probes
will be constructed for eventual screening of epidermal cDNA libraries.
The second aim is to develop and screen A strain epidermal cDNA libraries
with a view to clone and sequence gene(s) encoding Skn antigen(s).  Skn
specific monoclonal antibodies already developed, and other being
developed, will be used to screen this expression library.  Using these
antibodies and recombinant inbred strains, as well as the backcross
segregants, further mapping of the Skn genes and definition of the Skn
alloantigens in immunogenetic terms are proposed as Aim 3.  With the
monoclonal antibodies distinguishing allotypes of both Skn loci, it is now
feasible to derive Skn congenic strains simply by serotyping, which will
permit further immunogenetic analysis of Skn without resort to radiation
chimeras and the uncertainties of varied genetic backgrounds (Aim 4).  If
successful in cloning a gene or genes for Skn, transgenic mice will be
developed.  Finally, an important question concerning natural self
tolerance and acquired immunity is addressed in Aim 5 which is to determine
if the pathologic changes in the skin induced in (B6xA)F1 mice receiving
spleen cells from (B6xA)/B6 chimeras immunized against A strain Skn
alloantigens are truly Skn specific.  If the reaction is shown to be Skn-
directed, then the Skn systems could potentially be of considerable
clinical significance.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3157081
- **Project number:** 5R01AR035177-05
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO
- **SAM.gov UEI:** F6XLTRUQJEN4
- **Principal Investigator:** Ellen Heller Goldberg
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1993
- **Award amount:** $112,463
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1987-05-01 → 1995-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3157081

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3157081, IMMUNOGENETICS OF THE SKN ANTIGENIC SYSTEMS (5R01AR035177-05). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3157081. Licensed CC0.

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