The ABCs of MHC

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) contains the most diverse genes known in vertebrates. These genes encode cell‐surface molecules that play a central role in controlling immunological activity and, as a consequence, in tissue rejection, autoimmunity, and immune responses to infectious diseases. In vertebrates, there are many different MHC genes, most with many alleles. This is true for all primates studied thus far. Multiple loci and alleles allow for an increased peptide‐binding repertoire; their variety has a profound impact on an organism's ability to battle constantly evolving pathogens. The argument that infectious disease is a driving force for MHC variability is supported by observations that most of the allelic variation centers on the amino acid residues that directly interact with foreign peptides. However, while MHC diversity could be maintained through heterozygote advantage, frequency‐dependent selection, or both, the direct evidence that natural selection enhances diversity is limited. Indeed, it is not wholly clear whether selection operates only with respect to disease resistance or if behavioral and biological mechanisms also contribute to the extreme variation that has been observed for many species. Furthermore, reproductive behavior and biology may also help to maintain genetic variability at MHC loci.     

Plasmodium relictum infection and MHC diversity in the house sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Antagonistic coevolution between hosts and parasites has been proposed as a mechanism maintaining genetic diversity in both host and parasite populations. In particular, the high level of genetic diversity usually observed at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is generally thought to be maintained by parasite-driven selection. Among the possible ways through which parasites can maintain MHC diversity, diversifying selection has received relatively less attention. This hypothesis is based on the idea that parasites exert spatially variable selection pressures because of heterogeneity in parasite genetic structure, abundance or virulence. Variable selection pressures should select for different host allelic lineages resulting in population-specific associations between MHC alleles and risk of infection. In this study, we took advantage of a large survey of avian malaria in 13 populations of the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) to test this hypothesis. We found that (i) several MHC alleles were either associated with increased or decreased risk to be infected with Plasmodium relictum, (ii) the effects were population specific, and (iii) some alleles had antagonistic effects across populations. Overall, these results support the hypothesis that diversifying selection in space can maintain MHC variation and suggest a pattern of local adaptation where MHC alleles are selected at the local host population level.     

Variation in MHC genotypes in two populations of house sparrow (Passer domesticus) with different population histories

Small populations are likely to have a low genetic ability for disease resistance due to loss of genetic variation through inbreeding and genetic drift. In vertebrates, the highest genetic diversity of the immune system is located at genes within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Interestingly, parasite‐mediated selection is thought to potentially maintain variation at MHC loci even in populations that are monomorphic at other loci. Therefore, general loss of genetic variation in the genome may not necessarily be associated with low variation at MHC loci. We evaluated inter‐ and intrapopulation variation in MHC genotypes between an inbred (Aldra) and a relatively outbred population (Hestmannøy) of house sparrows (Passer domesticus) in a metapopulation at Helgeland, Norway. Genomic (gDNA) and transcribed (cDNA) alleles of functional MHC class I and IIB loci, along with neutral noncoding microsatellite markers, were analyzed to obtain relevant estimates of genetic variation. We found lower allelic richness in microsatellites in the inbred population, but high genetic variation in MHC class I and IIB loci in both populations. This suggests that also the inbred population could be under balancing selection to maintain genetic variation for pathogen resistance.     

Shared evolutionary origin of major histocompatibility complex polymorphism in sympatric lemurs

Genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) play a central role in adaptive immune responses of vertebrates. They exhibit remarkable polymorphism, often crossing species boundaries with similar alleles or allelic motifs shared across species. This pattern may reflect parallel parasite‐mediated selective pressures, either favouring the long maintenance of ancestral MHC allelic lineages across successive speciation events by balancing selection (“trans‐species polymorphism”), or alternatively favouring the independent emergence of functionally similar alleles post‐speciation via convergent evolution. Here, we investigate the origins of MHC similarity across several species of dwarf and mouse lemurs (Cheirogaleidae). We examined MHC class II variation in two highly polymorphic loci (DRB, DQB) and evaluated the overlap of gut–parasite communities in four sympatric lemurs. We tested for parasite‐MHC associations across species to determine whether similar parasite pressures may select for similar MHC alleles in different species. Next, we integrated our MHC data with those previously obtained from other Cheirogaleidae to investigate the relative contribution of convergent evolution and co‐ancestry to shared MHC polymorphism by contrasting patterns of codon usage at functional vs. neutral sites. Our results indicate that parasites shared across species may select for functionally similar MHC alleles, implying that the dynamics of MHC‐parasite co‐evolution should be envisaged at the community level. We further show that balancing selection maintaining trans‐species polymorphism, rather than convergent evolution, is the primary mechanism explaining shared MHC sequence motifs between species that diverged up to 30 million years ago.     

Major histocompatibility complex variation is similar in little brown bats before and after white‐nose syndrome outbreak

White‐nose syndrome (WNS), caused by the fungal pathogen Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), has driven alarming declines in North American hibernating bats, such as little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus). During hibernation, infected little brown bats are able to initiate anti‐Pd immune responses, indicating pathogen‐mediated selection on the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes. However, such immune responses may not be protective as they interrupt torpor, elevate energy costs, and potentially lead to higher mortality rates. To assess whether WNS drives selection on MHC genes, we compared the MHC DRB gene in little brown bats pre‐ (Wisconsin) and post‐ (Michigan, New York, Vermont, and Pennsylvania) WNS (detection spanning 2014–2015). We genotyped 131 individuals and found 45 nucleotide alleles (27 amino acid alleles) indicating a maximum of 3 loci (1–5 alleles per individual). We observed high allelic admixture and a lack of genetic differentiation both among sampling sites and between pre‐ and post‐WNS populations, indicating no signal of selection on MHC genes. However, post‐WNS populations exhibited decreased allelic richness, reflecting effects from bottleneck and drift following rapid population declines. We propose that mechanisms other than adaptive immunity are more likely driving current persistence of little brown bats in affected regions.     

Contrasting patterns of variation in MHC loci in the Alpine newt

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are essential in pathogen recognition and triggering an adaptive immune response. Although they are the most polymorphic genes in vertebrates, very little information on MHC variation and patterns of evolution are available for amphibians, a group known to be declining rapidly worldwide. As infectious diseases are invoked in the declines, information on MHC variation should contribute to devising appropriate conservation strategies. In this study, we examined MHC variation in 149 Alpine newts ( Mesotriton alpestris ) from three allopatric population groups in Poland at the northeastern margin of the distribution of this species. The genetic distinctiveness of the population groups has previously been shown by studies of skin graft rejection, allozymes and microsatellites. Two putative expressed MHC II loci with contrasting levels of variation and clear evidence of gene conversion/recombination between them were detected. The Meal-DAB locus is highly polymorphic (37 alleles), and shows evidence of historical positive selection for amino acid replacements and substantial geographical differentiation in allelic richness. On the contrary, the Meal-DBB locus exhibits low polymorphism (three alleles differing by up to two synonymous substitutions) and a uniform distribution of three alleles among geographical regions. The uniform frequencies of the presumptively neutral Meal-DBB alleles may be explained by linkage to Meal-DAB . We found differences in allelic richness in Meal-DAB between regions, consistent with the hypothesis that genetic drift prevails with increasing distance from glacial refugia. Pseudogene loci appear to have evolved neutrally. The level of DAB variation correlated with variation in microsatellite loci, implying that selection and drift interplayed to produce the pattern of MHC variation observed in marginal populations of the Alpine newt.     

Patterns of selection and allele diversity of class I and class II major histocompatibility loci across the species range of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC), an important component of the vertebrate immune system, provides an important suite of genes to examine the role of genetic diversity at non‐neutral loci for population persistence. We contrasted patterns of diversity at the two classical MHC loci in sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), MHC class I (UBA) and MHC class II (DAB), and neutral microsatellite loci across 70 populations spanning the species range from Washington State to Japan. There was no correlation in allelic richness or heterozygosity between MHC loci or between MHC loci and microsatellites. The two unlinked MHC loci may be responding to different selective pressures; the distribution of F_ST values for the two loci was uncorrelated, and evidence for both balancing and directional selection on alleles and lineages of DAB and UBA was observed in populations throughout the species range but rarely on both loci within a population. These results suggest that fluctuating selection has resulted in the divergence of MHC loci in contemporary populations.     

Could TCR antagonism explain associations between MHC genes and disease?

Alleles of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) loci are associated with certain types of diseases, including those of infectious and autoimmune origin. MHC products can promote susceptibility or resistance to disease by stimulating or inhibiting immune responses. Recent evidence suggests that MHC-associated peptides derived from self-proteins can act as antagonists of T-cell activation, thereby inhibiting immune responses to antigens. We suggest that self-peptide-promoted antagonism might explain some associations between MHC alleles and particular chronic diseases.     

High allelic variation of MHC class II alpha antigen and the role of selection in wild and cultured Sparus aurata populations

Genetic polymorphism and differentiation in wild and cultured sea bream samples were studied after amplification, cloning, and partial sequence of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II alpha antigen. Forty-one alleles were detected from 43 unrelated individuals and sequence alignment of the obtained alleles revealed 28 polymorphic sites. High heterozygosity values and allelic richness were unveiled for both wild and cultured populations. The substitution pattern (d_N /d_S = 0.7) is not consistent with the effect of diversifying selection, indicating lower selection pressure on the a2 domain, as well as that too few advantageous non-synonymous mutations have accumulated as substrate for the diversifying selection to act. Comparison with previously published results on microsatellite markers suggests that balancing selection in MHC genes reduces the genetic drift and bottleneck effects that are common in aquaculture and which are known to reduce genetic variation at neutral markers. The present study stresses that both coding and non-coding loci should be analyzed for designing proper management strategies.     

Genetic variation in the major histocompatibility complex of the European brown hare (Lepus europaeus) across distinct phylogeographic areas

The major histocompatibility complex is one of the best studied systems in vertebrates providing evidence for the long-term action of selection. Here, we examined the intra- and inter-population genetic diversity of the MHC class II DRB locus in European brown hare (Lepus europaeus) and correlated the results with genetic variability already estimated from the MHC DQA locus and from maternally (mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)) and biparentally (allozymes, microsatellites) inherited loci. L. europaeus showed remarkable genetic polymorphism in both DQA and DRB1 loci. The Anatolian populations exhibited the highest genetic polymorphism for both loci. Balancing selection has established increased variability in the European populations despite the founder effects after the last glaciation. Different evolutionary rates were traced for DRB1 and DQA loci, as evidenced by the higher number of common DRB1 than DQA alleles and the greater differences between DRB1 alleles with common origin in comparison with DQA alleles. The high number of rare alleles with low frequencies detected implies that frequency-dependent selection drives MHC evolution in the brown hare through the advantage of rare alleles. Both loci were under the influence of positive selection within the peptide-binding region. The functional polymorphism, recorded as amino acid substitutions within the binding pockets, fell also within distinct geographic patterns, yet it was much narrower than the genetic polymorphism. We hypothesize that certain structural and functional characteristics of the binding pockets set limitations to the actual shape of genetic polymorphism in MHC.     

MHC class I typing in a songbird with numerous loci and high polymorphism using motif-specific PCR and DGGE

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) has a central role in the specific immune defence of vertebrates. Exon 3 of MHC class I genes encodes the domain that binds and presents peptides from pathogens that trigger immune reactions. Here we develop a fast population screening method for detecting genetic variation in the MHC class I genes of birds. We found evidence of at least 15 exon 3 sequences in the investigated great reed warbler individual. The organisation of the great reed warbler MHC class I genes suggested that a locus-specific screening protocol is impractical due to the high similarity between alleles across loci, including the introns flanking exon 3. Therefore, we used motif-specific PCR to amplify two subsets of alleles (exon 3 sequences) that were separated with by DGGE. The motif-specific primers amplify a substantial proportion of the transcribed class I alleles (2-12 alleles per individual) from as many as six class I loci. Although not exhaustive, this gives a reliable estimate of the class I variation. The method is highly repeatable and more sensitive in detecting genetic variation than the RFLP method. The motif-specific primers also allow us to avoid screening pseudogenes. In our study population of great reed warblers, we found a high level of genetic variation in MHC class I, and no less than 234 DGGE genotypes were detected among 248 screened individuals.     

Genetic Variation of Microsatellite Loci in the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Region in the Southeast Asian House Mouse (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Mus musculus castaneus</Emphasis>)

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are the most polymorphic loci known for vertebrates. Here we employed five microsatellite loci closely linked to the MHC region in an attempt to study the amount of genetic variation in 19 populations of the southeast Asian house mouse (Mus musculus castaneus) in Taiwan. The overall polymorphism at the five loci was high (H_e = 0.713), and the level of polymorphism varied from locus to locus. Furthermore, in order to investigate if selection is operating on MHC genes in natural mouse populations, we compared the extent and pattern of genetic variation for the MHC-linked microsatellite loci (the MHC loci) with those for the microsatellite loci located outside the MHC region (the non-MHC loci). The number of alleles and the logarithm of variance in repeat number were significantly higher for the MHC loci than for the non-MHC loci, presumably reflecting linkage to a locus under balancing selection. Although three statistical tests used do not provide support for selection, their lack of support may be due to low statistical power of the tests, to weakness of selection, or to a profound effect of genetic drift reducing the signature of balancing selection. Our results also suggested that the populations in the central and the southwestern regions of Taiwan might be one part of a metapopulation structure.     

Novel alleles in classical major histocompatibility complex class II loci of the brushtail possum (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Trichosurus vulpecula</Emphasis>)

We have investigated the diversity of class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) loci in the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), an important marsupial pest species in New Zealand. Immunocontraceptive vaccines, a method of fertility control that employs the immune system to attack reproductive cells or proteins, are currently being researched as a means of population control for the possum. Variation has been observed in the immune response of individual possums to immunocontraceptives. If this variability is under genetic control, it could compromise vaccine efficacy through preferential selection of animals that fail to mount a significant immune response and remain fertile. The MHC is an important immune region for antigen presentation and as such may influence the response to immunocontraceptives. We used known marsupial MHC sequences to design polymerase chain reaction primers to screen for possum MHC loci. Alpha and beta chains from two class II families, DA and DB, were found in possums throughout New Zealand. Forty new class II MHC alleles were identified in the possum, and the levels of variability in the MHC of this marsupial appear to be comparable to those of eutherian species. Preliminary population surveys showed evidence of clustering/variability in the distribution of MHC alleles in geographically separate locations. The extensive variation demonstrated in possums reinforces the need for further research to assess the risk that such MHC variation poses for long-term immunocontraceptive vaccine efficacy.     

中华白海豚3 个MHC 基因座位遗传变异的初步分析

主要组织相容性复合体(Major histocompatibility complex,MHC) 基因是由一组紧密连锁的基因组成,是哺乳动物免疫系统中最重要的组成部分。本文选择3 个MHC 基因座位的第二外元,即:MHC-I 类基因和II 类基因的DRA 和DQB 座位,初步调查濒危物种中华白海豚的遗传变异。共鉴定了2 个DRA、2 个DQB 和7 MHC-I等位基因。DRA 座位遗传变异非常低,而DQB 和MHC-I 座位具有相对较高水平的遗传变异。并且,在DQB 和MHC-I 基因座位的假定的抗原结合位点(Antigen binding sites,ABS),非同义替代明显大于同义替代,提示平衡选择(Balancing selection)维持这两个座位的多态性,而在DRA 座位上,并没有检测到平衡选择。系统发生分析表明中华白海豚的MHC 等位基因没有聚在一起,而是和其他的物种聚在一起,符合MHC 跨种进化(Transspecies evolution)的模式。     

Major histocompatibility complex controls the trajectory but not host-specific adaptation during virulence evolution of the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans

Genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) play a critical role in immune recognition and are the most genetically diverse loci known. One hypothesis to explain this diversity postulates that pathogens adapt to common MHC haplotypes and thus favour selection of new or rare alleles. To determine whether the pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus neoformans adapts to MHC-dependent immune responses, it was serially passaged in two independent replicate lines of five B10 MHC-congenic strains and Balb/c mice. All passaged lines increased in virulence as measured by reduced host survival. MHC influenced the rate (trajectory) of virulence increase during passages as measured by significant differences in mortality rate (p < 0.001). However, when the post-passage strains were tested, no MHC differences in mortality rate remained and only minor differences in titres were observed. Also contrary to expectations, increased virulence in three lines passaged in B10 mice had a larger effect in Balb/c mice, and the evolution of virulence in lines passaged in alternating hosts was not retarded. To our knowledge, these data represent the first experimental test of MHC-specific adaptation in a non-viral pathogen. The failure to observe MHC effects despite dramatically increased virulence and host-genotype-specific adaptation to non-MHC genes suggests that escape of MHC-dependent immune recognition may be difficult for pathogens with unlimited epitopes or that other virulence factors can swamp MHC effects.     

Two patterns of variation among MHC class I loci in Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus)

The genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are a central component of the immune system in vertebrates and have become important markers of functional, fitness-related genetic variation. We have investigated the evolutionary processes that generate diversity at MHC class I genes in a large population of an archaic reptile species, the tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus), found on Stephens Island, Cook Strait, New Zealand. We identified at least 2 highly polymorphic (UA type) loci and one locus (UZ) exhibiting low polymorphism. The UZ locus is characterized by low nucleotide diversity and weak balancing selection and may be either a nonclassical class I gene or a pseudogene. In contrast, the UA-type alleles have high nucleotide diversity and show evidence of balancing selection at putative peptide-binding sites. Twenty-one different UA-type genotypes were identified among 26 individuals, suggesting that the Stephens Island population has high levels of MHC class I variation. UA-type allelic diversity is generated by a mixture of point mutation and gene conversion. As has been found in birds and fish, gene conversion obscures the genealogical relationships among alleles and prevents the assignment of alleles to loci. Our results suggest that the molecular mechanisms that underpin MHC evolution in nonmammals make locus-specific amplification impossible in some species.     

Sexual selection and the evolutionary dynamics of the major histocompatibility complex

The genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are a key component of the adaptive immune system and among the most variable loci in the vertebrate genome. Pathogen-mediated natural selection and MHC-based disassortative mating are both thought to structure MHC polymorphism, but their effects have proven difficult to discriminate in natural systems. Using the first model of MHC dynamics incorporating both survival and reproduction, we demonstrate that natural and sexual selection produce distinctive signatures of MHC allelic diversity with critical implications for understanding host–pathogen dynamics. While natural selection produces the Red Queen dynamics characteristic of host–parasite interactions, disassortative mating stabilizes allele frequencies, damping major fluctuations in dominant alleles and protecting functional variants against drift. This subtle difference generates a complex interaction between MHC allelic diversity and population size. In small populations, the stabilizing effects of sexual selection moderate the effects of drift, whereas pathogen-mediated selection accelerates the loss of functionally important genetic diversity. Natural selection enhances MHC allelic variation in larger populations, with the highest levels of diversity generated by the combined action of pathogen-mediated selection and disassortative mating. MHC-based sexual selection may help to explain how functionally important genetic variation can be maintained in populations of conservation concern.     

Diversity and evolutionary history of the MHC DQA gene in leporids

The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is used as a model for many human diseases, yet comparatively little is known of its genetics, particularly at important loci such as the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). This study investigated genetic diversity and evolutionary history of the DQA gene in a range of leporid species by analysing coding sequence diversity of exon 2 and intron 2 in 53 individuals of 16 different species. Fifty leporid DQA alleles were detected, including 13 novel European rabbit alleles. In the rabbit, the highest levels of diversity were observed in wild rabbits from Portugal, with wild rabbits from England and domestic rabbits showing less diversity. Within the sample, several recombination events were detected and trans-specific evolution of alleles was evidenced, both being general characteristics of mammalian MHC genes. Positive selection is implicated as operating on six codons within exon 2, which are also subject to positive selection in other mammals. Some of these positions are putative antigen recognition sites and underline the importance of pathogen-driven selection on these MHC genes.     

Selection from parasites favours immunogenetic diversity but not divergence among locally adapted host populations

The unprecedented polymorphism in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes is thought to be maintained by balancing selection from parasites. However, do parasites also drive divergence at MHC loci between host populations, or do the effects of balancing selection maintain similarities among populations? We examined MHC variation in populations of the livebearing fish Poecilia mexicana and characterized their parasite communities. Poecilia mexicana populations in the Cueva del Azufre system are locally adapted to darkness and the presence of toxic hydrogen sulphide, representing highly divergent ecotypes or incipient species. Parasite communities differed significantly across populations, and populations with higher parasite loads had higher levels of diversity at class II MHC genes. However, despite different parasite communities, marked divergence in adaptive traits and in neutral genetic markers, we found MHC alleles to be remarkably similar among host populations. Our findings indicate that balancing selection from parasites maintains immunogenetic diversity of hosts, but this process does not promote MHC divergence in this system. On the contrary, we suggest that balancing selection on immunogenetic loci may outweigh divergent selection causing divergence, thereby hindering host divergence and speciation. Our findings support the hypothesis that balancing selection maintains MHC similarities among lineages during and after speciation (trans‐species evolution).     

Are there Ubiquitous Parasite-driven Major Histocompatibility Complex Selection Mechanisms in Gray Mouse Lemurs?

A major goal of evolutionary biology is to understand how selection drives local adaptation. For example, the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays an important role in the immune system, and high levels of MHC variation are thought to be a form of adaptation in natural populations. Individual MHC composition may influence parasite resistance via advantages associated with 1) heterozygosity, because heterozygotes recognize a broader range of different antigens than homozygotes (heterozygote advantage); 2) highly variable amino acid sequences in MHC alleles, allowing individuals to bind a broader spectrum of parasite-derived peptides (divergent-alleles advantage, a mechanistic variant of the heterozygote advantage model); or 3) specific MHC alleles (rare allele advantage or frequency dependent selection). We investigated relationships between gastrointestinal nematode burden and both adaptive immune gene variability (MHC class II DRB) and neutral microsatellites in free-living gray mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus) native to a dry deciduous forest population in western Madagascar to test these hypotheses. The individual MHC composition was related to parasite infestation. Specific MHC alleles were involved in parasite resistance and the presence of common alleles negatively influenced infestation intensity. We found no support for the heterozygote advantage hypothesis, but we did find support for the divergent-MHC allele advantage hypothesis: Individuals with very divergent MHC alleles carried fewer and less intense nematode infestations than individuals with more similar alleles in the more variable dry deciduous forest population. These results indicate that intestinal parasites are important selection pressures under natural conditions and suggest that different selection mechanisms are not mutually exclusive. In contrast, we detected no association between neutral overall individual genetic diversity (measured via 17 microsatellites) and parasite load. Finally, we investigated the ubiquity of parasite-driven selection mechanisms by comparing our results with a previous study of a mouse lemur population from the climatically different littoral forest in southeastern Madagascar, ca. 500 km away. This revealed that different specific MHC alleles were involved in parasite resistance in the 2 habitats, showing that gene-parasite associations are not consistent between populations.