Abstract
Simple SummaryThe study of European rabbit immunoglobulin genes has contributed decisively to the current knowledge on antibody structure and diversification. The European rabbit has also been increasingly used as an animal model for the study of many human diseases, such as syphilis, tuberculosis, and AIDS. As such, the study of its immune system genes is of crucial relevance, but the study of rabbit immunoglobulins has focused only on the IgG and IgA antibodies. In this study, we added to the knowledge of the rabbit immune system by investigating the genetic diversity of two antibodies, IgM and IgE, in wild and domestic rabbits as well as other rabbit close species. With the data obtained in this study, we showed a high similarity between the different rabbit close species studied and we pointed out important genetic differences in the wild and domestic rabbits. Our findings are a valuable tool for the management of rabbit wild populations and domestic breeds and may contribute to the identification of immunoglobulins genetic variants with greater efficiency against pathogens.The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) has been an important model for immunological studies but the study of its immunoglobulins (Ig) has been restricted to its unique IgA and IgG. Here, we studied the genetic diversity of IgM and IgE in several species of leporids and performed population genetics studies on European rabbit wild populations and domestic breeds. The leporids sequencing showed that these Ig are well conserved (98% sequence similarity among leporids), For IgM the Cµ1 and Cµ4 were the most diverse and most conserved domains, respectively, while for IgE the Cε1 was the most diverse domain and Cε2 and Cε3 the most conserved domains. The differences in the pattern of most conserved and most diverse domain between the Ig isotypes are most likely related to each isotype function. The genetic population data showed contrasting results for IgM and IgE. For both Ig, as expected, a greater diversity was observed in the original species range, the Iberian Peninsula. However, unexpectedly the genetic diversity found for IgE in the domestic animals is higher than that for the French wild populations. These results will increase knowledge of the genetic diversity of leporids and wild and domestic rabbit populations and are important tools for the management of wild populations and rabbitries.
Highlights
Immunoglobulins (Igs) are one of the most emblematic components of the jawed vertebrate immune system
We extend the knowledge on IgM and Immunoglobulin E (IgE) isotypes in leporids by sequencing the complete IGHM and IGHE genes for six additional extant leporid genera: Bunolagus, Brachylagus, Lepus, Pentalagus, Romerolagus and Sylvilagus
Splicing signals are present at the intron boundaries and we assumed that all studied leporids share the same IGHM and IGHE exon organization as the European rabbit
Summary
Immunoglobulins (Igs) are one of the most emblematic components of the jawed vertebrate immune system. These heterodimeric glycoproteins act as a critical part of the immune system by recognizing and binding to antigens and subsequently triggering mechanisms that lead to its destruction [1]. Five Ig isotypes have been described, IgM, IgD, IgE, IgG and. The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) has been used as an animal model for diseases and immunological studies (reviewed in [2]). One of the peculiarities of the European rabbit is the unique features of Ig isotypes. As some other mammals the European rabbit has no IgD and no functional
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
