Unlocking epitope similarity: A comparative analysis of the American manatee (Trichechus manatus) IgA and human IgA through an immuno-informatics approach.

ABSTRACT: The American manatee (Trichechus manatus), experiencing population declines due to various threats, is the focus of conservation efforts that include the capture, rehabilitation, and release of orphaned calves when their mothers are unable to care for them. These efforts are compromised by the use of commercially available milk substitutes that lack essential components found in natural manatee breast milk, particularly immunoglobulin A (IgA). IgA plays a crucial role in nurturing the immune mucosal system and fostering a healthy microbiota. However, research on IgA in non-maternally fed manatees is limited due to the lack of species-specific reagents. To address this gap, our study employs immuno-informatics analysis to compare IgA sequences from manatees with those from other species, ai

SUBMITTER: Diaz-Yayguaje M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11404806 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature