Unique peptide-binding motif for Mamu-B*037:01: an MHC class I allele common to Indian and Chinese rhesus macaques

Immunogenetics. 2013 Dec;65(12):897-900. doi: 10.1007/s00251-013-0734-5. Epub 2013 Sep 17.

Abstract

Indian and Chinese rhesus macaques are often used in biomedical research. Genetic analyses of the major histocompatibility class I region have revealed that these macaques display a substantial level of polymorphism at Mamu-A and Mamu-B loci, which have been subject to duplication. Only a few Mamu class I allotypes are characterised for their peptide-binding motifs, although more information of this nature would contribute to a better interpretation of T cell-mediated immune responses. Here, we present the results of the characterisation of the functional properties of Mamu-B*037:01, an allotype commonly encountered in rhesus macaques of Indian and Chinese origin. Mamu-B*037:01 is seen to have a strong preference for acidic amino acids at the third residue, and for arginine, lysine, and tyrosine at the carboxyl terminus. This peptide-binding motif is not described in the human population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Motifs / genetics*
  • Animals
  • Asian People
  • Genes, MHC Class II / genetics*
  • Genes, MHC Class II / immunology
  • Humans
  • India
  • Macaca mulatta / genetics*
  • Macaca mulatta / immunology
  • Peptides / genetics*

Substances

  • Peptides