Large, transmembrane, non-covalently linked glycoproteins (alpha and beta). Both chains can be polymorphic although there is more structural variation in the beta chains. The class II antigens in humans are called HLA-D ANTIGENS and are coded by a gene on chromosome 6. In mice, two genes named IA and IE on chromosome 17 code for the H-2 antigens. The antigens are found on B-lymphocytes, macrophages, epidermal cells, and sperm and are thought to mediate the competence of and cellular cooperation in the immune response. The term IA antigens used to refer only to the proteins encoded by the IA genes in the mouse, but is now used as a generic term for any class II histocompatibility antigen.

Synonyms: Antigen, IA, Antigens, Immune-Associated, Ia-Like Antigens, Antigens, Ia-Like, I-A Antigen, Class II Antigen, Class II MHC Proteins, Class II Major Histocompatibility Antigens, Class II Histocompatibility Antigens, MHC II Molecules, Ia Antigens, MHC Class II Molecules, Class II Antigens, Antigens, Ia, Immune Associated Antigens, Class II Major Histocompatibility Molecules, Histocompatibility Antigens Class II, Immune-Associated Antigens, Immune-Response-Associated Antigens, Ia Like Antigens, MHC-II Molecules, Peptides, MHC II, Immune Response Antigens, Molecules, MHC-II, Antigens, Class II, Antigen, I-A, I-A-Antigen, Antigens, Immune Response, I A Antigen, 0, Antigens, Immune-Response-Associated, MHC II Peptides, IA Antigen, Antigen, Class II, Immune Response Associated Antigens