Murine antigen H-2.7: Phenotypic conversion of erythrocytes in radiation chimeras

By use of radiation chimeras produced between H-2.7⁺ and H-2.7^}- strains, A.SW and A.BY and B10.S(7R) and B10.S(9R), we demonstrate that the H-2.7 antigen can be passively attached to or detached from red blood cells. Thus, genetically H-2.7^}- red blood cells derived from H-2.7^}- bone marrow cells, gain H-2.7 antigen while maturing in the H-2.7⁺ host. Similarly, genetically H- 2.7⁺ red blood cells derived from H-2.7⁺ bone marrow cells become H-2.7^}- while maturing in H-2.7^- recipients. This behavior of the H-2.7 antigen is similar to that described for human Chido and Rodgers blood group antigens.