Features of MHC and NK gene clusters.
When comparing the immune genome to the genome in general, a higher prevalence for association with disease is the only genetic feature significant in immune genes as a group. However, some genetic features, such as marked levels of polymorphism and gene duplication, are present in subsets of immune genes, namely the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) and Natural Killer (NK) cell receptor gene complexes. In this review, we discuss features of MHC and NK receptor gene clusters, their epistatic interactions, and the impact of both on association to disease.
Kelley
James
J
Department of Pathology, Immunology Division, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QP, United Kingdom.
Trowsdale
John
J
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000502:physiology*; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex / Q000235:genetics*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic