The MHC class I genes of zebrafish

Dev Comp Immunol. 2014 Sep;46(1):11-23. doi: 10.1016/j.dci.2014.02.018. Epub 2014 Mar 11.

Abstract

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules play a central role in the immune response and in the recognition of non-self. Found in all jawed vertebrate species, including zebrafish and other teleosts, MHC genes are considered the most polymorphic of all genes. In this review we focus on the multi-faceted diversity of zebrafish MHC class I genes, which are classified into three sequence lineages: U, Z, and L. We examine the polygenic, polymorphic, and haplotypic diversity of the zebrafish MHC class I genes, discussing known and postulated functional differences between the different class I lineages. In addition, we provide the first comprehensive nomenclature for the L lineage genes in zebrafish, encompassing at least 15 genes, and characterize their sequence properties. Finally, we discuss how recent findings have shed new light on the remarkably diverse MHC loci of this species.

Keywords: Haplotype; Histocompatibility; Immunity; MHC; Multigene families; Polymorphism.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Genes, MHC Class I*
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / genetics
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / immunology
  • Major Histocompatibility Complex
  • Phylogeny
  • Zebrafish / genetics*
  • Zebrafish / immunology*
  • Zebrafish Proteins / genetics
  • Zebrafish Proteins / immunology

Substances

  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
  • Zebrafish Proteins