The major histocompatibility complex in Old World camelids and low polymorphism of its class II genes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) is a genomic region containing genes with crucial roles in immune responses. MHC class I and class II genes encode antigen-presenting molecules expressed on the cell surface. To counteract the high variability of pathogens, the MHC evolved into a region of considerable heterogeneity in its organization, number and extent of polymorphism. Studies of MHCs in different model species contribute to our understanding of mechanisms of immunity, diseases and their evolution. Camels are economically important domestic animals and interesting biomodels. Three species of Old World camels have been recognized: the dromedary (Camelus dromedarius), Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) and the wild camel (Camelus ferus). Despite their importanc

SUBMITTER: Plasil M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4774177 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature