[Summary of the evolution studies on primate major histocompatibility complex class I].
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a gene cluster directly related to immune response. The highly polymorphic nature of the MHC class I genes corresponds to variations of the pathogens and are crucial for individual survival during infection. During primate evolution, the diverse forms of MHC class I genes came to existence due to different time of divergence and survival pressure. Over time, this led to changes in the number as well as the function of these genes, and even the emergence of species-specific genes. In this paper we describe the overall features of primate MHC class I genes, with an emphasis on the characteristics of six classical MHC class I genes in the typical primate species and their interrelationships.
Wang
Xue-Xia
XX
South China University of Technology, College of Light Industry and Food Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China. kangaroo1025@126.com
He
Xiao-Xiong
XX
D000818:Animals; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D005805:Genes, MHC Class I; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011323:Primates / Q000235:genetics*
D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I