Temporal expression of an H2-linked locus in host response to mouse malaria.

The action of host genes in response to malarial infection is complex. Two mouse loci, Char1, and Char2, have previously been shown to control peak parasitemia and host survival. Recent analysis of host response to mouse malaria has demonstrated that the action of several loci is time dependent. Char1 and Char2 act prior to peak parasitemia. Analysis of additional crosses revealed significant linkage to Chromosome 17 on the day following peak parasitemia. This H2-linked locus acts late in infection and is therefore crucial in clearing parasites from the circulation. The cloning of this gene will lead to a greater understanding of the host-parasite interaction, and the kinetics of host gene expression during an immune response.