Evolution and comparative analysis of the MHC Class III inflammatory region.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) is essential for immune function. Historically, it has been subdivided into three regions (Class I, II, and III), but a cluster of functionally related genes within the Class III region has also been referred to as the Class IV region or "inflammatory region". This group of genes is involved in the inflammatory response, and includes members of the tumour necrosis family. Here we report the sequencing, annotation and comparative analysis of a tammar wallaby BAC containing the inflammatory region. We also discuss the extent of sequence conservation across the entire region and identify elements conserved in evolution.

Results

Fourteen Class III genes from the tammar wallaby inflammatory region were characterised and compar

SUBMITTER: Deakin JE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1654159 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature