Major histocompatibility complex class II DQ diversity in rhesus macaques

Abstract

By the use of restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis 10 Taq I fragments could be identified for the MhcMamu-DQA1 region. A strong correlation exists between the occurrence of Mamu-DQA1/Taq I fragments and Mamu-DQA1 allelic sequence variation. Most restriction fragments correspond with a unique Mamu-DQA1 allele, with one exception being the Taq I 4.5 kb fragment that is associated with two Mamu-DQA1 alleles. The RFLP technique allowed the identification of 15 Mamu-DQB1/Taq I restriction fragments, whereas sequence analysis has permitted the characterization of at least 20 different Mamu-DQB1 alleles. In this communication two unpublished Mamu-DQB1 sequences are described. For Mamu-DQB1, on only four occasions was it possible to demonstrate a correlation between a certain fragment and an allelic sequence. These analyses, performed on material from truly homozygous animals, allowed us to define which combinations of Mamu-DQA1 and -DQB1 molecules form heterodimers at the cell surface. In addition, these studies are helpful in typing non-human primate species that are used in biomedical research.