Nonmajor histocompatibility complex alloantigen effects on the fate of Rous sarcomas

Rous sarcoma virus-induced tumor outcome is controlled by the MHC (B). Addi tional data, using controlled segregation in families, has indicated non-MH C effects as well, but few studies have focused on blood groups other than the B complex. Segregating combinations of genes encoding erythocyte (Ea) a lloantigen systems A, C, D, E, H, I, P, and L in (BB5)-B-2 and (BB5)-B-5 MH C (B) backgrounds were examined for their effects on Rous sarcomas. Six-wee k-old chickens were inoculated in the wing-web with 30 pfu of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV). Tumors were scored six times over a 10-wk period. A tumor prof ile index (TPI) was assigned to each chicken based on the six tumor size sc ores. Response was evaluated using tumor size at each measurement period, T PI, and mortality. The genotypes of Ea systems A, C, D, E, H, I, and P had no significant effect on any parameter in either B complex population. The Ea-L system had an effect on Rous sarcomas in the (BB5)-B-2 intermediate re sponders and B5B5 progressors. Tumor size, TPI, and mortality were all sign ificantly lower in (BB5)-B-2 (LL1)-L-1 chickens than in (BB5)-B-2 (LL2)-L-1 chickens. Mortality was lower in the (BB5)-B-5 (LL1)-L-1 birds than in (BB 5)-B-5 (LL2)-L-1 chickens. It appears that the Ea-L system, or one closely linked, is acting in a manner independent of the B complex in response to R SV challenge.