Extensive MHC class IIβ diversity across multiple loci in the small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula).

ABSTRACT: The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a multigene family responsible for pathogen detection, and initiation of adaptive immune responses. Duplication, natural selection, recombination, and their resulting high functional genetic diversity spread across several duplicated loci are the main hallmarks of the MHC. Although these features were described in several jawed vertebrate lineages, a detailed MHC IIβ characterization at the population level is still lacking for chondrichthyans (chimaeras, rays and sharks), i.e. the most basal lineage to possess an MHC-based adaptive immune system. We used the small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula, Carcharhiniformes) as a case-study species to characterize MHC IIβ diversity using complementary molecular tools, including publicly availabl

SUBMITTER: Gaigher A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9992475 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature