Squamate reptiles may have compensated for the lack of γδTCR with a duplication of the TRB locus.

ABSTRACT: Squamate reptiles are amongst the most successful terrestrial vertebrate lineages, with over 10,000 species across a broad range of ecosystems. Despite their success, squamates are also amongst the least studied lineages immunologically. Recently, a universal lack of γδ T cells in squamates due to deletions of the genes encoding the T cell receptor (TCR) γ and δ chains was discovered. Here, we begin to address how the loss of γδ T cells may have impacted the evolution of the squamate immune system. Using the skink Tiliqua rugosa, we found that squamates have not significantly increased the complexity of conventional T cell receptor beta (TCRβ or TRB) chain V regions compared to that of the nearest living squamate relative, the tuatara, Sphenodon punctatus or other amni

SUBMITTER: Sampson JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11754216 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature