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The murine Ia antigens, encoded by the I region of the major histocompatibility complex, are cell-surface glycoproteins (consisting ofa and ,polypeptides) thought to be involved in the control of immune responsiveness. Mice of haplotypes b, 8, q, andf fail to express one of the Ia antigen complexes, the E complex, on the cell surface. We have attempted to determine at the molecular level how such a defect (or defects) might be generated. By using I-region E. and A. gene probes for analyses of RNA and DNA structure, it was possible to conclude that at least three mechanisms can operate. Mice of haplotypes b and s bear a deletion in the E. gene, f haplotype mice synthesize predominantly an Ea mRNA of aberrant size, and mice of the q haplotype seem to have a defect in RNA processing or a problem with mRNA stability, or both.

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