Inference of structure and function of fish Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules from expressed genes

Modulation of MHC class II expression in rainbow troutOncorhynchus mykissmacrophages by TNFα and LPS

“…with specific helper and cytotoxic activity are known in fish (Clem et al, 1991;Hasegawa et al, 1998), and potential CD4/CD8 binding domains have been identified in the MHC sequences (Stet et al, 1996;Rode, 1997), it is likely that MHC restricted T cell subpopulations will be present. In mammals, a critical step in both specific humoral and cell-mediated immune responses is the release of cytokines from helper T cells, which itself is dependent upon appropriate presentation of peptides by MHC class II molecules on macrophages, dendritic cells and B cells (Rohn et al, 1996).…”

“…With respect to MHC molecules, class I and class II genes are present in both cartilaginous and bony fish (Stet et al, 1996;Bartl et al, 1997), as is the gene for 2-microglobulin (Dixon et al, 1993). Since populations of leucocytes †Present address: School of Biological Sciences, University College of Swansea, Singleton Park, Swansea, U.K.…”

Production and characterisation of an antiserum raised against recombinant rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) MHC class II beta-chain (MhcOnmy-DAB)

“…Comparison of the deduced protein sequences of these genes with those of mammalian Mhc class II chain sequences reveal major similarities. Conserved features, such as residues forming the transmembrane region, cysteine residues forming intra-chain disulphide bridges, a CD4-binding region, and the location of invariant peptide binding residues as well as polymorphic residues in the peptide-binding region, suggest a homologous function of these molecules in fish (Stet et al, 1996).…”

Classical MHC Class I Genes Composed of Highly Divergent Sequence Lineages Share a Single Locus in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

“…Similarity between the fish and mammalian immune system has been also revealed by sequence analyses on principal molecules in the immune system. To date, genes for MHC molecules such as class IA, ␤ 2 -microglobulin (␤ 2 m), 6 class IIA, and class IIB genes have been reported from more than 25 species of teleosts and elasmobranchii (3)(4)(5).…”