“…Siddle et al (2007a) confirmed that MHC class I and II genes are expressed in DFTD tumors at the mRNA level, although further studies are required to determine whether MHC genes in DFTD are correctly translated, trafficked and displayed (Table 1). The lack of diversity at MHC loci, coupled with weak responses of east coast devils to allogeneic mixed lymphocyte culture, has led to the suggestion that this population may be functionally identical at MHC loci, thus permitting the spread of DFTD as an allograft ( Figure 2; Woods et al, 2007;Siddle et al, 2007a;Kreiss et al, 2008). However, as other marsupials have been reported to have weak responses to mixed lymphocyte culture, and antigens other than MHC also contribute to immunosurveillance, this model is yet to be confirmed (Montali et al, 1998;Stone et al, 1998;Janeway et al, 2001).…”