Murine gut epithelial cells express Ia molecules antigenically distinct from those of conventional antigen-presenting cells

Murine gut epithelial cells, endowed with MHC class II-restricted antigen-presenting function, express membrane Ia molecules, which are not recognized by a panel of allospecific mAbs directed against determinants on the alpha or the beta chain of Ia heterodimers. These data indicate that intestinal epithelium bears surface Ia molecules antigenically distinct from those of conventional APC.