[Cloning and tissue distribution analysis of CD1d in Rhesus macaque].

Aim: To amplify the CD1d and analyze its tissue distribution in Rhesus macaque.

Methods: Extracting total RNA from different tissues of Rhesus macaque. CD1d amplification was carried using specific primers and tissue distribution was analyzed by semi-quantification RT-PCR, using the house-keeping gene GAPDH as an internal control.

Results: The CD1d coding region was obtained in this experiment and tissue distribution was analyzed: a highest level of CD1d expression was detected in heart, liver and spleen, lower level in blood, lung, small intestine and stomach, and least in brain.

Conclusion: The successful amplification of CD1d is useful to produce anti-CD1d antibody and CD1d-tetramer to study NKT cells in Rhesus macaque. The expression profile of CD1d mRNA in Rhesus macaque is in accordance with the tissue distribution and the functions of NKT cells in other species. These results will provide important insights for future research on the relationship of CD1d/NKT cells and their roles in different tissues.