The Forgotten: Identification and Functional Characterization of MHC Class II Molecules H2-Eb2 and RT1-Db2.

In this article, we report the complete coding sequence and to our knowledge, the first functional analysis of two homologous nonclassical MHC class II genes: RT1-Db2 of rat and H2-Eb2 of mouse. They differ in important aspects compared with the classical class II β1 molecules: their mRNA expression by APCs is much lower, they show minimal polymorphism in the Ag-binding domain, and they lack N-glycosylation and the highly conserved histidine 81. Also, their cytoplasmic region is completely different and longer.

Comparative genome analysis of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I B/C segments in primates elucidated by genomic sequencing in common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).

Common marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus) have emerged as important animal models for biomedical research, necessitating a more extensive characterization of their major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region. However, the genomic information of the marmoset MHC (Caja) is still lacking. The MHC-B/C segment represents the most diverse MHC region among primates.

Sequence analysis of the grey mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus) MHC class II DQ and DR region.

We here report the genomic organisation of the grey mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus) MHC class II DQ and DR region based on BAC clone analysis. The sequenced Mimu-MHC haplotype spans 343 kb and encompasses the genes TAP2, DOB, DQB, DQA, DRB, DRA, BTNL2 and a further BTNL gene. The DQ and DR genes of this haplotype are not duplicated.

Genotyping and segregation analyses indicate the presence of only two functional MIC genes in rhesus macaques.

MIC molecules are stress-inducible ligands of the activating receptor NKG2D, which is expressed on natural killer cells and subsets of T lymphocytes. In rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), three different MIC sequences (MIC1, MIC2, MIC3) have been described that are closely related to but, according to phylogenetic analysis, do not represent orthologues of the human MICA and MICB genes. Although a single haplotype of the rhesus macaque Mhc (Mamu) has been completely sequenced, it remained unknown so far whether these three sequences are derived from two or three Mamu-MIC genes.