Molecular characterization of major histocompatibility complex class 1 (MHC-I) from squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus).

Hervé Pascalis (1) , Jean-Michel Heraud (1) , Rolf Fendel (1) , Anne Lavergne (1) , Mirdad Kazanji (1, 2)

1 Institut Pasteur de la Guyane
2 CIRMF - Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville

Little is known about the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class 1 in squirrel monkeys ( Saimiri sciureus). We cloned, sequenced and characterized two alleles and the cDNA of the coding region of MHC class 1 in these New World monkeys. Phylogenetic analyses showed that these sequences are related to HLA class 1 genes ( HLA-A and HLA-G). The structure and organization of one of the two identified clones was similar to that of a class 1 MHC gene ( HLA-A2). All the exon/intron splice acceptor/donor sites are conserved and their locations correspond to the HLA-A2 gene. The sequences of the newly described cDNAs reveal that they code for the characteristic class 1 MHC proteins, with all the features thought necessary for cell surface expression. Typical sequences for the leader peptide, alpha(1), alpha(2), alpha(3), transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains were found.

Domaines: Virologie

Hervé Pascalis, Jean-Michel Heraud, Rolf Fendel, Anne Lavergne, Mirdad Kazanji. Molecular characterization of major histocompatibility complex class 1 (MHC-I) from squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus).. Immunogenetics, 2003, 55 (9), pp.633-9. ⟨10.1007/s00251-003-0607-4⟩. ⟨pasteur-00607918⟩