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The major histocompatibility complex, MnLA, of pigtailed macaques: definition of fifteen specificities
L K Gaur1, D M Bowden, C C Tsai
1Regional Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle 98195.
Abstract:
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina, Mn) is defined and designated as MnLA. Twenty-nine alloantisera were generated by fullsib alloimmunization and tested against a panel of 220 unrelated animals. The reactivities of different alloantisera were analyzed statistically in pairwise comparisons. Using 2 X 2 contingency tables, we calculated chi 2 independence, chi 2 allelism, and correlation coefficient values. Initially, specificities were defined by significant associations of certain sera, but some sera defined specificities individually. In all, 15 specificities were defined, and by family studies and negative correlation coefficients, a two-locus model was evident. Genetic analyses, together with statistical applications, revealed that the behavior of these specificities is consistent with the nature of MHC in other primate species, including man.
Insights
The pigtailed macaque major histocompatibility complex (MHC), designated MnLA, was defined using alloantisera. Genetic analyses revealed 15 specificities, supporting a two-locus model consistent with other primate MHC systems.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Primate genetics
- Comparative genomics
Background:
- The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) plays a crucial role in immune responses and is highly polymorphic.
- Characterizing the MHC in non-human primates is essential for understanding immune system evolution and for preclinical research.
- The MHC of pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina) had not been previously defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define and designate the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) of pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina), termed MnLA.
- To identify specificities within the MnLA system.
- To establish a genetic model for the MnLA system.
Main Methods:
- Generation of 29 alloantisera through full-sib alloimmunization in pigtailed macaques.
- Serological testing of alloantisera against a panel of 220 unrelated animals.
- Statistical analysis of alloantisera reactivities using pairwise comparisons, 2x2 contingency tables, chi-squared tests, and correlation coefficients.
Main Results:
- Definition of 15 distinct specificities within the pigtailed macaque MHC (MnLA).
- Identification of specificities defined by individual alloantisera and by significant associations.
- Evidence for a two-locus genetic model for MnLA based on family studies and negative correlation coefficients.
Conclusions:
- The pigtailed macaque MHC (MnLA) has been successfully defined and characterized.
- The genetic behavior of MnLA specificities aligns with established models of MHC in other primate species, including humans.
- This characterization provides a foundation for future immunological and genetic studies in Macaca nemestrina.