The B6.CE-Lyb-2 super(c):Mup-1 super(a) mouse strain contains the interferon- alpha genes from C57BL/6

The Lyb-2 locus codes for a cell surface antigen which appears to be restricted to B lymphocytes. Expression of this antigen has been implicated in the differential regulation of IgG production. In this vein, it was noted that mouse strains which express the Lyb-2 super(b) allotype (BALB/c, C57BL/6, and A/J) mice have higher concentrations of serum lambda immunoglobulin than strains which express the Lyb-2 super(a) or Lyb-2 super(c) allotypes (SJL, CE/J, and DBA/2). The exceptions to this were the CBA/N and C3H/HeJ mice (both Lyb-2 super(b)) which have an x-linked and chromosome 4-linked defect respectively and express low to very low lambda levels. Both defects have specific effects on B lymphocytes development. To test the hypothesis that Lyb-2 allotype plays a role in the regulation of expression of lambda immunoglobulin, sera from mouse strains congenic at the Lyb-2 locus were analyzed for lambda immunoglobulin levels. The mice used in these studies are described.