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Evolution and developmental regulation of the major histocompatibility complex
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami School of Medicine, FL 33101, USA.
Critical Reviews in Immunology
|January 1, 1995
Summary
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) evolution reveals adaptive immune system origins. Its class III region may be a primordial immune complex, influencing classical MHC molecule development and differential gene expression during vertebrate ontogeny.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays a crucial role in adaptive immunity and vertebrate evolution.
- Understanding MHC ontogeny provides insights into the origins of the immune system.
- Vertebrate strategies for MHC expression during development are diverse and complex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review general topics concerning MHC evolution.
- To emphasize the significance of gene family linkage within the MHC.
- To describe the developmental expression of classical and non-classical MHC genes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of MHC ontogeny and evolution.
- Analysis of gene family linkage within the MHC.
- Detailed examination of MHC gene expression during vertebrate development.
Main Results:
- A model proposing the MHC class III region as a "primordial immune complex" is presented.
- Members of the MHC class III region are suggested to give rise to classical MHC molecules.
- Differential expression of MHC genes in mammalian extraembryonic tissues and amphibian transitional tissues during metamorphosis is detailed.
Conclusions:
- MHC evolution and ontogeny are critical for understanding adaptive immunity.
- The MHC class III region likely played a foundational role in the evolution of classical MHC molecules.
- Developmental expression patterns of MHC genes vary significantly across vertebrate taxa and life stages.