The conundrum of nonclassical major histocompatibility complex genes.

Evolution of the major histocompatibility complex: independent origin of nonclassical class I genes in different groups of mammals.

The class I major histocompatibility complex genes are composed of classical and nonclassical genes, the latter being largely nonfunctional. To understand the evolutionary relationships of the two groups of class I genes, a phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences was conducted using 45 genes from six mammalian and one avian species. The results indicate that nonclassical genes in one species are...

The Evolution of Mating Preferences and Major Histocompatibility Complex Genes.

House mice prefer mates genetically dissimilar at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). The highly polymorphic MHC genes control immunological self/nonself recognition; therefore, this mating preference may function to provide "good genes" for an individual's offspring. However, the evidence for MHC-dependent mating preferences is controversial, and its function remains unclear. Here we p...

Genes of the Major Histocompatibility Complex in Cattle

The major histocompatibility complex.

The major histocompatibility complex on the sixth chromosome controls expression of a complex series of cell surface antigens which comprise the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system. These markers, beyond their importance in human organ transplantation, have been demonstrated to occur with an increased prevalence in certain disease states. The group of conditions showing the closest association...

Isolation of carp genes encoding major histocompatibility complex antigens.

In the evolution of the adaptive immune system unique to vertebrates, teleost fish occupy the critical position. This is the most primitive class of lower vertebrates in which the capacity for acute allograft rejections can be demonstrated, thus suggesting the presence of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens and, therefore, T cells. Here, we report the identification of two putative ...