Invariant chain (Ii) is intracellularly associated with MHC class II molecules, is implicated in class II function, and is coordinately regulated with the alpha- and beta-chains of MHC class II genes at the transcriptional level. Included among the various cis-acting elements of transcriptional control in MHC class II genes are the class II boxes, X and Y, and sequences 5' of X in the W (Z, H, S) region of class II genes. The Ii promoter region contains homologues of these elements, designated here as X, Y', and "W". This study utilized transient transfection and chloramphenicol acetyltransferase analysis to investigate the role of these elements in basal and inducible Ii gene expression. Invariant chain X, Y', and "W" all contribute to gene expression in B lymphoblastoid cell lines, making them likely candidates to mediate coordinate control of class II and Ii genes. IFN-gamma-inducible expression of the Ii gene in a glioblastoma cell line is also regulated through X, Y', and "W". Thus, the Ii class II boxes and "W" have dual roles in basal and inducible gene transcription.