Mixed haplotypes and autoimmunity

Abstract Why do (NZB × NZW)F 1 mice develop an autoimmune lupus-like syndrome? The second exons of the II genes of NZB and NZW are identical to their counterparts of H-2 d and H-2 u haplotypes. Several lines of evidence suggest that this allows the production of a mixed haplotype molecule, I-E α d E β 2 , and that this molecule plays a key role in the developmental of autoimmunity.