爬行动物MHC基因研究进展

主要组织相容性复合体(MHC)是有颌脊椎动物中发现的编码免疫球蛋白受体的高度多态的基因群,因其在免疫系统中的重要作用而备受关注。脊椎动物不同支系间MHC的结构和演化差异较大。尽管MHC基因特征在哺乳类、鸟类、两栖类和鱼类中已被较好地描述,但对爬行动物MHC的了解仍较少。鉴于爬行动物对于理解MHC基因的演化占据很重要的系统发育位置,研究其MHC具有重要意义。本文就近年来爬行动物MHC的分子结构、多态性维持机制、功能和主要应用的研究现状进行了系统地回顾和总结,并展望了其研究前景。

Major Histocompatibility Complex in Reptiles

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC), a gene-dense genomic region present in all jawed vertebrates, are the most polymorphic genes in vertebrate genomes. They play key roles in immune function via immune-recognition and -surveillance and host-parasite interaction. MHC genes are increasingly common for studies of immunology, genetics, and evolution as well as conservation biology. The organization and evolution of MHC genes vary considerably among vertebrate lineages. MHC genes have been well characterized in mammals, birds, amphibians and fishes, but little is known about their organization in reptiles, despite the fact that reptiles occupy an important phylogenetic position for understanding the evolutionary history of vertebrates MHC genes. Here, we review the molecular structure, the maintaining mechanisms of MHC polymorphism and their function in reptiles. We also review the field and focus on the successful applications of MHC-typing for population genetic studies and conservation management in reptiles. We conclude this review by proposing several directions where future research is needed.