The Amphibian Major Histocompatibility Complex-A Review and Future Outlook.

ABSTRACT: The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a cluster of functionally related genes encoding proteins which, among other functions, mediate immune system activation. While the MHC of many vertebrates has been extensively studied, less is known about the amphibian MHC. This represents an important knowledge gap because amphibians mark the evolutionary transition from an aquatic to a terrestrial lifestyle and often maintain a biphasic lifestyle. Hence, they tend to be exposed to both aquatic and terrestrial pathogen communities, providing opportunities to gain fundamental insights into how the immune system responds to different environmental challenges. Moreover, amphibians are globally threatened by invasive pathogens and the MHC may play a role in combating population decline. In this r

SUBMITTER: Sabino-Pinto J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11850509 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature