Abstract
Comparisons of MHC gene content and diversity among closely related species can provide insights into the evolutionary mechanisms shaping immune system variation. After chimpanzees and bonobos, gorillas are humans’ closest living relatives; but in contrast, relatively little is known about the structure and variation of gorilla MHC class I genes (Gogo). Here, we combined long-range amplifications and long-read sequencing technology to analyze full-length MHC class I genes in 35 gorillas. We obtained 50 full-length genomic sequences corresponding to 15 Gogo-A alleles, 4 Gogo-Oko alleles, 21 Gogo-B alleles, and 10 Gogo-C alleles including 19 novel coding region sequences. We identified two previously undetected MHC class I genes related to Gogo-A and Gogo-B, respectively, thereby illustrating the potential of this approach for efficient and highly accurate MHC genotyping. Consistent with their phylogenetic position within the hominid family, individual gorilla MHC haplotypes share characteristics with humans and chimpanzees as well as orangutans suggesting a complex history of the MHC class I genes in humans and the great apes. However, the overall MHC class I diversity appears to be low further supporting the hypothesis that gorillas might have experienced a reduction of their MHC repertoire.
Highlights
Molecules encoded by the MHC class I genes play an important role in the defense against intracellular pathogens (Klein and Figueroa 1986)
A total of 50 full-length MHC class I alleles corresponding to 15 Gogo-A alleles, 4 Gogo-Oko, 21 Gogo-B alleles, and 10 Gogo-C alleles were identified among the 35 gorillas analyzed
Evolutionary relationships of MHC class I genes from gorillas and the other great apes, including humans, were phylogenetically investigated using complete coding region sequences selected to represent the species-specific range of allelic structure at each locus (Figs. 2 and 3)
Summary
Molecules encoded by the MHC class I genes play an important role in the defense against intracellular pathogens (Klein and Figueroa 1986). Cytotoxic CD8+ T cells recognize antigens that are presented by MHC class I molecules on the cell surface while some MHC class I allotypes, in addition, interact with killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR receptors) that are primarily expressed on natural killer cells (NK cells) and regulate the inhibition and activation of NK cell responses (Parham and Ohta 1996; Lanier 2005). The genes encoding MHC class I molecules are subject to rapid evolution (Hedrick 1994; Hughes and Hughes 1995). Interspecies comparisons can provide important insights into the evolution of MHC class I genes and possibly the resistance and susceptibility to infectious diseases (Sommer 2005; Shiina et al 2006)
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