Ortho-mcneil Pharmaceutical Corp.

Young Yang

Per A Peterson

Wai-Ping Leung

Klaus Frueh

Kwangseog Ahn

Tobias Preckel

A transgenic mouse with alterations in a PA28&bgr; gene is prepared by introduction of an altered PA28&bgr; gene into a host mouse. The resulting transgenic animals do not produce functional PA28 molecules. Cells and cell lines derived from these animals also contain the altered PA28&bgr; gene.

PA28 modified transgenic mice

The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) genomic US region encodes a family of homologous genes essential for the inhibition of major histocompatiblity complex (MHC) class I mediated antigen presentation observed during viral infection. Here we show that US3 and US6 encode ER-resident glycoproteins that prevent intracellular transport of NMC class I molecules by different mechanisms. US3 retains stable MHC class I heterodimers in the ER which are loaded with peptides while retained in the ER. US6 prevents MHC class I assembly with .beta.2 microglobulin which results in free heavy chains leaving the ER. These genes have the potential to prevent unwanted immunological reactivities triggered by MHC class I molecules.

Growing community of inventors

San Diego, CA, United States of America

Young Yang