The MHC of the duck (Anas platyrhynchos) contains five differentially expressed class I genes

MHC class I proteins mediate a variety of functions in antiviral defense. In humans and mice, three MHC class I loci each contribute one or two alleles and each can present a wide variety of peptide Ags. In contrast, many lower vertebrates appear to use a single MHC class I locus. Previously we showed that a single locus was predominantly expressed in the mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) and that locus was adjacent to the polymorphic transporter for the Ag-processing (TAP2) gene. Characterization of a genomic clone from the same duck now allows us to compare genes to account for their differential expression. The clone carried five MHC class I genes and the TAP genes in the following gene order: TAP1, TAP2, UAA, UBA, UCA, UDA, and UEA. We designated the predominantly expressed gene UAA. Transcripts corresponding to the UDA locus were expressed at a low level. No transcripts were found for three loci, UBA, UCA, and UEA. UBA had a deletion within the promoter sequences. UCA carried a stop codon in-frame. UEA did not have a polyadenylation signal sequence. All sequences differed primarily in peptide-binding pockets and otherwise had the hallmarks of classical MHC class I alleles. Despite the presence of additional genes in the genome, the duck expresses predominantly one MHC class I gene. The limitation to one expressed MHC class I gene may have functional consequences for the ability of ducks to eliminate viral pathogens, such as influenza.