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Analysis of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-specific CD8+ T-cells in Rhesus Macaques by Peptide-MHC-I Tetramer Staining
Published on: December 23, 2016
Nonhuman primate IgA: genetic heterogeneity and interactions with CD89
Kenneth A Rogers1, Lakshmi Jayashankar, Franco Scinicariello
1Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|March 21, 2008
Summary
Characterizing immunoglobulin A (IgA) genes in nonhuman primates reveals significant polymorphism. Despite this, their IgA/CD89 system is suitable for AIDS and therapeutic research.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Primate Genetics
Background:
- Nonhuman primates are crucial animal models for human diseases, including AIDS.
- However, their immunoglobulin (Ig) molecules, particularly IgA, remain largely uncharacterized.
- IgA plays a key role in mucosal immunity and interacts with Fc receptor CD89.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the structure and function of Ig heavy alpha (IGHA) constant (C) genes in nonhuman primates.
- To assess the interaction between macaque IgA and its receptor CD89.
- To determine the suitability of nonhuman primates for IgA/CD89 system studies.
Main Methods:
- Cloning and sequencing of IGHA constant genes in rhesus macaques, pig-tailed macaques, baboons, and sooty mangabeys.
- Sequence analysis to identify polymorphisms and gene variations.
- Generation of recombinant macaque IgA and CD89 for binding and functional assays.
Main Results:
- High intraspecies polymorphism was observed in nonhuman primate IGHA genes, with animals being homozygous or heterozygous.
- Variable hinge regions were shared across geographic origins and combined in heterozygous individuals.
- Macaque CD89 effectively bound macaque IgA and human IgA1/IgA2; antigen presence enhanced binding, while N-glycosylation blocking reduced CD89 expression.
Conclusions:
- Nonhuman primate IGHA genes exhibit significant polymorphism, but limited combinations of hinge sequences exist.
- Macaque CD89 demonstrates functional binding to IgA, similar to human interactions.
- Despite IgA polymorphism, nonhuman primates are suitable models for studying the IgA/CD89 system.
