title: Characterisation of Mhc class I and class II DRB polymorphism in red-bellied tamarins (Saguinus labiatus).
abstract: The infection of red-bellied tamarins (Saguinus labiatus) with GB virus B (GBV-B) is an important surrogate model of hepatitis C virus infection in man. To fully exploit the value of this model, we have characterised MHC class I G and class II DRB alleles in eight tamarins representing a cross-section of a UK breeding colony. The results indicated a high degree of classes I and II DRB allele sharing. Each animal transcribed three to four putative surface-expressed class I alleles and two to four class II DRB alleles. Most animals also transcribed at least one class I allele predicted to result in a C-terminal truncated protein. These results represent the first description of MHC polymorphism in this species and provide a foundation for characterisation of MHC diversity in breeding populations of red-bellied tamarins. The data will facilitate the identification of associations between MHC polymorphism and control of viral infections, and detailed dissection of cellular immune responses against GBV-B.
authors.affiliation: Division of Retrovirology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Health Protection Agency, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3QG, UK. Edward.mee@nibsc.hpa.org.uk
authors.forename: Edward T
authors.initials: ET
authors.lastname: Mee
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Greenhow
authors.forename: Nicola J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Rose
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D018178:Flaviviridae Infections / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D029406:GB virus B; D005787:Gene Frequency; D005805:Genes, MHC Class I; D005802:Genes, MHC Class II; D006524:Hepatitis, Viral, Animal / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D006525:Hepatitis, Viral, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000235:genetics; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012452:Saguinus / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology