The genetic architecture of the MHC class II region in British Texel Sheep

Ali, A. A.O., Stear, A., Fairlie-Clarke, K., Brujeni, G. N., Isa, N. M. M., Salisi, M. S., Donskow-Łysoniewska, K., Groth, D., Buitkamp, J. and Stear, M. J. (2017) The genetic architecture of the MHC class II region in British Texel Sheep. Immunogenetics, 69(3), pp. 157-163. (doi: 10.1007/s00251-016-0962-6) (PMID:27921144) (PMCID:PMC5316411)

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Abstract

Understanding the structure of the major histocompatibility complex, especially the number and frequency of alleles, loci and haplotypes, is crucial for efficient investigation of the way in which the MHC influences susceptibility to disease. Nematode infection is one of the most important diseases suffered by sheep, and the class II region has been repeatedly associated with differences in susceptibility and resistance to infection. Texel sheep are widely used in many different countries and are relatively resistant to infection. This study determined the number and frequency of MHC class II genes in a small flock of Texel sheep. There were 18 alleles at DRB1, 9 alleles at DQA1, 13 alleles at DQB1, 8 alleles at DQA2 and 16 alleles at DQB2. Several haplotypes had no detectable gene products at DQA1, DQB1 or DQB2, and these were defined as null alleles. Despite the large numbers of alleles, there were only 21 distinct haplotypes in the population. The relatively small number of observed haplotypes will simplify finding disease associations because common haplotypes provide more statistical power but complicate the discrimination of causative mutations from linked marker loci.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Stear, Ms Abigail and Fairlie-Clarke, Dr Karen and Ali, Mr Alsagher and Stear, Professor Mike and Salisi, Dr Mohd Shahrom
Authors: Ali, A. A.O., Stear, A., Fairlie-Clarke, K., Brujeni, G. N., Isa, N. M. M., Salisi, M. S., Donskow-Łysoniewska, K., Groth, D., Buitkamp, J., and Stear, M. J.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Immunogenetics
Publisher:Springer
ISSN:0093-7711
ISSN (Online):1432-1211
Published Online:05 December 2016
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 The Authors
First Published:First published in Immunogenetics 36(3):157-163
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
629831The influence of selective breeding on MHC diversityMichael StearBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)BB/L004070/1RI BIODIVERSITY ANIMAL HEALTH & COMPMED