Temporal expression of an H2-linked locus in host response to mouse malaria

The action of host genes in response to malarial infection is complex. Two mouse loci, Char1, and Char2, have previously been shown to control peak pa rasitemia and host survival. Recent analysis of host response to mouse mala ria has demonstrated that the action of several loci is time dependent. Cha r1 and Char2 act prior to peak parasitemia. Analysis of additional crosses revealed significant linkage to Chromosome 17 on the day following peak par asitemia. This H2-linked locus acts late in infection and is therefore cruc ial in clearing parasites from the circulation. The cloning of this gene wi ll lead to a greater understanding of the host-parasite interaction, and th e kinetics of host gene expression during an immune response.