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At least four MHC class I genes are transcribed in the horse: phylogenetic analysis suggests an unusual evolutionary history for the MHC in this species.

Nineteen horse MHC class I specificities have been serologically identified previously at a single locus (ELA-A), and two other specificities appear to be coded at other loci. Biochemical studies indicate that there are at least two expressed loci. In order to establish the number of transcribed horse MHC class I genes, we made a cDNA library from a heterozygous animal (ELA-A3/A7), and screened for positive clones using a bovine class I probe. More than 200 class I clones were isolated in this way, and so far seven unique full length sequences have been identified. All of the sequences are predicted to code for surface expressed, functional molecules. The number of different sequences identified demonstrate that at least four genes are transcribed, although variations in transmembrane length (which is generally conserved in class I loci) suggest that five genes could be represented. Evolutionary analysis of these sequences (and two additional sequences known to represent different horse class I loci) reveals no firm relationships, such that the division between the different loci cannot be discerned. These results suggest an unusual evolutionary history for the horse MHC, the precise nature of which may be revealed only following further cross-species comparisons.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification of sequences responsible for positive and negative regulation by E1A in the promoter of H-2Kbm1 class I MHC gene.

The mechanism of transcriptional regulation of the H-2Kbm1 major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I gene by adenovirus type 12 E1A (Ad12-E1A) was studied in transfected rat embryonal fibroblasts. Results of long-term expression of the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) gene placed under the control of the 5'-flanking region of the mouse MHC class I gene. H-2Kbm1, and the results of nuclear run-on transcription assays, yield evidence for both positive and negative regulation of H-2Kbm1 by E1A gene product. Deletion studies in the H-2Kbm1 promoter region revealed that a proximal 58 bp upstream sequence (-194 to -136, relative to the cap site) and a distal 316 bp sequence (-1837 to -1521) respectively contribute to positive and negative regulation mediated by the E1A gene product. Both regulatory elements of MHC class I gene promoter region are responsible for the differential expression of the H-2Kbm1 gene in Ad12 transformed cells. A nuclear factor binding to the negative element has been detected only in extracts derived from cells expressing Ad12-E1A.

Adenovirus Early Proteins↗

Hyperexpression of interferon-gamma-induced MHC class II genes associated with reorganization of the cytoskeleton.

Class I and class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) gene products are key recognition units in the induction and regulation of the immune response. Expression of class I and class II may be constitutive or inducible by cytokines such as interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). A key step in the induction of MHC genes is recognition of IFN-gamma by its membrane receptor. The work described here examines the regulation of the occupied IFN-gamma receptor by the cytoskeleton. To do this the authors have used the fungal metabolites dihydrocytochalasin B (DHCB) and cytochalasin D (CD), substances that bind to actin filaments and thereby disrupt the cytoskeleton. The authors have studied the effect of DHCB and CD on IFN-gamma-induced MHC gene expression in 143 B cells, a human osteosarcoma-derived cell line. Herein the authors demonstrate that alterations in the cytoskeleton induced by DHCB and CD can lead to increases in IFN-gamma-induced MHC gene expression. Dihydrocytochalasin B added up to 3 hours after IFN-gamma results in a threefold to sixfold increase in levels of class II mRNA while producing minimal enhancement of class I gene expression. In contrast, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase mRNA expression was unaltered by IFN-gamma or by the cytochalasins. The increased amount of class II mRNA can be accounted for by a concomitant increase in transcription rate of this gene. Studies using 125I-IFN-gamma demonstrate that the occupied IFN-gamma receptor associates with a Triton X-100 insoluble fraction of 143 B cells and that DHCB and CD markedly inhibit this association. The results described here provide evidence that is consistent with the hypothesis that the activity of the occupied IFN-gamma receptor may be modulated by interactions with the cytoskeleton of the cell. This receptor may be one of a group of plasma membrane receptors that are sensitive to the action of cytochalasins after ligand binding.

B-Lymphocytes↗

Paucity of class I MHC gene heterogeneity between individuals in the endangered Hawaiian monk seal population.

The Hawaiian monk seal population has experienced precipitous declines in the last 50 years. In this study, we provide evidence that individuals from remaining endangered population exhibit alarming uniformity in class I major histocompatibility (MHC) genes. The peripheral blood leukocyte-derived mRNA of six captive animals rescued from a stranding incident on the French frigate shoals in the Hawaiian archipelago was used to characterize genes in the monk seal class I MHC gene family, from which techniques for genotyping the broader population were designed using degenerate primers designed for the three major established human MHC class I loci (HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C), and by sequencing multiple clones, six unique full-length classical MHC class I gene transcripts were identified among the six animals, three of which were only found in single individuals. Since The low degree of sequence variation between these transcripts and the similarity of genotype between individuals provided preliminary evidence for low class I MHC variability in the population. The sequence information from the class I transcripts from these six animals was used to design several primer sets for examining the extent of MHC variability in the remaining population using a combination of polymerase chain reaction and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Several DGGE assays, each one amplifying subtly different class I MHC gene combinations, were designed to compare exons encoding the highly polymorphic domains of the putative peptide-binding region of MHC class I. In combination, these assays failed to show interindividual variability at any of the class I MHC gene loci examined in either the six captive seals or in 80 free-ranging animals ( approximately 6.7% of the estimated population) representing all six major subpopulations of Hawaiian monk seal.

Base Sequence↗

The MHC class I genes of the rhesus monkey. Different evolutionary histories of MHC class I and II genes in primates.

Homologues of the human HLA-A and -B MHC class I loci have been found in great apes and Old World primates suggesting that these two loci have existed for at least 30 million years. The C locus, however, shows some sequence similarity to the B locus and has been found only in gorillas, chimpanzees, and humans. To determine the age of the MHC class I C locus and to examine the evolution of the A and B loci we have cloned, sequenced, and in vitro translated 16 MHC class I cDNAs from two unrelated rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) using both cDNA library screening and PCR amplification. Analyses of these sequences suggest that the C locus is not present in the rhesus monkey, indicating that this locus may be of recent origin in gorillas, chimpanzees, and humans. The rhesus monkey's complement of MHC class I genes includes the products of at least one expressed A locus and at least two expressed B loci, indicating that a duplication of the B locus has taken place in the lineage leading to these Old World primates. Comparison of rhesus monkey MHC class I cDNAs to their primate counterparts reveals fundamental differences between MHC class I and class II evolution in primates. Although MHC class II allelic lineages are shared between humans and Old World primates, no such trans-species sharing of allelic lineages is seen at the MHC class I loci.

Animals↗

Kinase inhibitors abrogate IFN-gamma-induced class II transactivator and class II MHC gene expression in astroglioma cell lines.

Multiple kinase events, involving both tyrosine (tyr) kinase and serine/threonine (ser/thr) kinase activity, are required for IFN-gamma-induced class II MHC mRNA and protein expression in primary rat astrocytes. In this study, we examined the necessity of ser/thr and tyr kinase activity for IFN-gamma-induced stimulation of class II MHC gene expression in the human astroglioma cell lines CRT and CH235, as well as the involvement of these kinases in IFN-gamma-induced expression of the class II transactivator (CIITA), a protein critical for IFN-gamma-induced transcription of class II MHC genes. We show that general ser/thr kinase inhibitors, inhibitors of the ser/thr kinase mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and tyr kinase inhibitors reduce IFN-gamma-induced class II MHC mRNA and protein expression in a dose-dependent manner. As well, these inhibitors abrogate IFN-gamma-induced CIITA mRNA expression in the astroglioma cell lines. We have further demonstrated that cells constitutively expressing the CIITA protein (2fTGH.CIITA) show no decrease in CIITA or class II MHC mRNA expression in the presence of ser/thr and tyr kinase inhibitors. Collectively, these data indicate that ser/thr kinase activity, possibly MAPK, and tyr kinase activity are required for IFN-gamma-induced expression of CIITA mRNA, and the subsequent expression of class II MHC genes.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗

Class II transactivator and class II MHC gene expression in microglia: modulation by the cytokines TGF-beta, IL-4, IL-13 and IL-10.

Microglia are the resident macrophages of the brain, and when activated, have functions including cytokine production, phagocytosis and antigen presentation. The class II MHC genes encode proteins that present antigenic peptides to helper T cells, leading to T cell activation and the development of an antigen-specific immune response. Class II MHC gene expression is strictly regulated by the class II transactivator (CIITA) transcription factor. In this study, we investigated the effects of various immunomodulatory cytokines on IFN-gamma induction of class II MHC and CIITA gene expression in microglia, both primary microglia and a murine microglial cell line, EOC 20. By flow cytometry analysis we show that IFN-gamma-induced surface expression of class II MHC molecules on EOC 20 cells can be inhibited by the cytokines TGF-beta1, IL-4 and IL-10, but not IL-13. Using a ribonuclease protection assay, we have found that TGF-beta1, IL-4 and IL-10 act by inhibiting the expression of IFN-gamma-induced CIITA mRNA and, in turn, class II MHC mRNA. TGF-beta1, IL-4, and IL-10 inhibition of IFN-gamma-induced CIITA mRNA accumulation was not due to destabilization of CIITA mRNA, suggesting an effect at the level of transcription. In primary murine microglia, IL-10 and TGF-beta1 inhibited IFN-gamma-induced CIITA and class II MHC expression. However, a discordant effect of IL-4 was noted in that IL-4 enhanced IFN-gamma-induced CIITA and class II MHC expression in primary microglia. Although some differences are observed between EOC 20 cells and primary microglia in terms of responsiveness to TGF-beta, IL-4 and IL-10, CIITA and class II MHC gene expression are coordinately modulated.

Animals↗

Regulation of MHC class II genes: lessons from a disease.

Precise regulation of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) gene expression plays a crucial role in the control of the immune response. A major breakthrough in the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms involved in MHC-II regulation has recently come from the study of patients that suffer from a primary immunodeficiency resulting from regulatory defects in MHC-II expression. A genetic complementation cloning approach has led to the isolation of CIITA and RFX5, two essential MHC-II gene transactivators. CIITA and RFX5 are mutated in these patients, and the wild-type genes are capable of correcting their defect in MHC-II expression. The identification of these regulatory factors has furthered our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate MHC-II genes. CIITA was found to be a non-DNA binding transactivator that functions as a molecular switch controlling both constitutive and inducible MHC-II expression. The finding that RFX5 is a subunit of the nuclear RFX-complex has confirmed that a deficiency in the binding of this complex is indeed the molecular basis for MHC-II deficiency in the majority of patients. Furthermore, the study of RFX has demonstrated that MHC-II promoter activity is dependent on the binding of higher-order complexes that are formed by highly specific cooperative binding interactions between certain MHC-II promoter-binding proteins. Two of these proteins belong to families of which the other members, although capable of binding to the same DNA motifs, are probably not directly involved in the control of MHC-II expression. Finally, the facts that CIITA and RFX5 are both essential and highly specific for MHC-II genes make possible novel strategies designed to achieve immunomodulation via transcriptional intervention.

Animals↗

Involvement of dendritic cell response to resistance of stomach carcinogenesis caused by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine in rats.

The involvement of immune response in the resistance of chemically induced stomach cancer was studied in a resistant rat strain (Buffalo) and a sensitive rat strain (ACI). Groups of 10 male Buffalo and ACI rats, 6 weeks of age, were given drinking water with or without N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG; 100 mg/l) for 14 days. Total RNA was isolated from the stomach pyloric mucosa from five rats, and cDNA was prepared with reverse transcriptase. Tissue sections of the stomach pyloric mucosa from five rats were stained with antibodies recognizing molecules expressed by various immune cells. Reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), competitive RT-PCR, and Northern blot demonstrated that the expression of MHC class II group genes [MHC class II, MHC class II-associated invariant chain (Ii), CD4 and IgM (B cell marker)], MHC class I group genes (MHC class I and CD8), B7-1 (costimulator on dendritic cells), and CD28 (receptor to B7 on T cells) in the pyloric mucosa was elevated by MNNG in both rat strains but was elevated to a 4-7-fold greater extent in Buffalo rats than in ACI rats. These genes were scarcely expressed in control rats. Histochemical antibody staining after MNNG exposure showed a greater number of cells stained with monoclonal antibody to Ii, OX-62 (dendritic cell marker), and ED-1 (dendritic cell and macrophage common marker) in the interstitial tissue of the pyloric mucosa of Buffalo rats compared with ACI rats. Cell proliferation, as measured by 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdUrd)-labeling indices, revealed the presence of BrdUrd-labeled cells only among epithelial cells in the proliferative zone; cells in the interstitial tissue were not labeled with BrdUrd. The results suggest the involvement of dendritic cell response in the resistance to the MNNG induction of stomach carcinogenesis in rats.

Animals↗

Two Mhc class I and two Mhc class II genes map to the chicken Rfp-Y system outside the B complex.

Gene sequences highly similar to major histocompatibility complex (Mhc) class I and class II genes were recently recognized as mapping to a site in the genome of the chicken separate from the Mhc class I, class II, and B-G genes of the major histocompatibility (B) complex. The present study was undertaken to see whether this complex of Mhc-like genes designated as restriction fragment pattern Y (Rfp-Y) might reside in one of three clusters of cosmid clones contained within the molecular map of chicken Mhc genes, since only two of the three clusters can be assigned to the B system. To determine whether the third cluster (cluster II/IV) might contain Rfp-Y, a subclone (18.1) from within cluster II/IV near a polymorphic lectin gene was used to analyze the DNA of families in which Rfp-Y haplotypes are known to be segregating. The restriction fragment polymorphisms revealed by the 18.1 probe were found to segregate in parallel with the restriction fragment polymorphisms defining the Rfp-Y haplotypes, thus establishing the location of Rfp-Y within cosmid cluster II/IV. Two of six Mhc class I genes and two of five Mhc class II genes map to cosmid cluster II/IV, so a substantial fraction of chicken Mhc genes, including at least one that may be expressed, are located in a chromosomal region separate from the B system. In further linkage analyses, Rfp-Y was found to assort independently from more than 400 markers in the present linkage map of the chicken genome.

Alleles↗

[Molecular cloning and homologous modeling of Wulong goose MHC class I gene].

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) was correlated with immune response for extra-antigen. MHC sequences of chicken, other birds, crawl species and mammalian were derived from GenBank/DDBJ/EMBL and analyzed by alignment, and then primers were designed. By means of LA-PCR method, MHC Classgene was cloned from Wulong goose genomic DNA and total RNA, and the structure of MHC Classgenomic DNA was analyzed using bioinformation methods. The results showed that the genomic DNA, which consisted of 8 extrons and 7 introns, had 64.1% amino acids homologous to chicken and 42.9% amino acids to human. The molecular phylogenetic tree further revealed evolutionary relationship between Wulong goose and other animals such as chicken, other birds, crawl species, mammalian and human. The results of homologous modeling showed that Wulong Goose MHC Classgene was formed by amidocyanogen (N) terminal structure region and carboxyl (C) terminal structure region.

Animals↗

Structure and expression of class I MHC genes in the miniature swine.

The genome of the miniature swine, unlike other species, contains a relatively small class I MHC gene family, consisting of only seven members. This provides an excellent system in which to identify and characterize the regulatory mechanisms which operate to both coordinately and differentially regulate the expression of a multi-gene family. The structure of class I SLA genes, like other class I genes, consists of eight exons encoding a leader sequence, three extracytoplasmic domains, a transmembrane domain and intracytoplasmic domains. Despite the common structure, two sub-families of class I genes can be distinguished within the SLA family. One, containing the closely related PD1 and PD14 genes, encodes the classical transplantation antigens. Another contains the highly divergent PD6; the functions of the products of this subfamily, if any, are not known. The class I SLA genes share some common regulatory mechanisms, as evidenced by the fact that all three genes analyzed are transcribed in mouse L cells. Furthermore, interferon treatment of transfected mouse L cells enhances expression of all three genes. Both PD1 and PD6 are transcribed in vivo, where the highest levels of expression are observed in lymphoid tissues. Superimposed on the common patterns of class I gene expression are distinct ones, as evidenced by the findings that PD1 is preferentially expressed in B cells, whereas PD6 is preferentially expressed in T cells. These differences may reflect the extensive divergence of the 5' flanking sequences of these genes. Future studies will be aimed at elucidating the precise molecular interactions and mechanisms which give rise to the observed differential expression.

Animals↗

HPV16E7 mediates HADC chromatin repression and downregulation of MHC class I genes in HPV16 tumorigenic cells through interaction with an MHC class I promoter.

Downregulation of the expression of major histocompatibility complex class I antigens on the surface of high-risk HPVs-transformed cells may contribute to their high tumorigenic potential, which enables them to escape immune recognition by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. In this study, we show that the viral E7 oncoprotein mediates transcriptional downregulation of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I genes by targeting the class I promoter in HPV16 containing CaSki tumor cells. Using the chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we demonstrated that HPV16E7 and specific HADCs, including HADC1, HADC2, and HADC8, are physically associated with the class I promoter and the histone of the class I promoter was deacetylated. Knocking down of HPV16E7 expression with the E7-specific small interfering RNA induced the release of HPV17E7 as well as HDAC1 and HDAC2 from the class I promoter. Furthermore, HPV16E7 siRNA resulted in a dramatic increase in histone acetylation. Importantly, MHC class I antigen expression was up-regulated on the surface of cells transfected with the E7 siRNA, but not on that of untransfected cells. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the HPV16E7 protein is associated with the MHC class I promoter and mediates MHC class I downregulation by repressing chromatin activation.

Cell Line, Tumor↗

The major histocompatibility complex in monotremes: an analysis of the evolution of Mhc class I genes across all three mammalian subclasses.

We report the isolation and characterization of cDNA clones of expressed, functional major histocompatibility complex class-I ( Mhc-I) genes from two species of monotremes: the duck-billed platypus and the short-beaked echidna. The cDNA clones were isolated from libraries constructed from spleen RNA, clearly establishing their expression in at least this one peripheral lymphoid organ. From the presence of conserved amino acid residues, it appears the expressed sequences encode molecules that likely function as classical Mhc-I. These clones were isolated using monotreme Mhc-I processed pseudogenes as probes. These processed pseudogenes were isolated from genomic DNA and, based on their structure, are likely independently derived in the platypus and echidna. When all the monotreme sequences were included in phylogenetic analyses, we found no apparent orthologous relationships between the platypus and echidna Mhc-I. Analyses that included a large number of Mhc-I sequences from other taxa support a separate monotreme Mhc-I clade, basal to a therian Mhc-I clade that is comprised of sequences from marsupial and placental mammals. The phylogenies also support the hypothesis that Mhc-I genes of placental mammals, marsupials, and monotremes are derived from three separate lineages of Mhc-I genes, best explained by two rounds of duplications and deletions. The first round would have occurred prior to the divergence of monotremes and therians, and the second prior to the divergence of marsupials and placental mammals. The sequences described here represent the first reported functional monotreme Mhc-I, as well as the first processed pseudogenes of any type from monotremes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A gamma-interferon-induced factor that binds the interferon response sequence of the MHC class I gene, H-2Kb.

Transcription of class I genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) can be induced by interferons. Treatment of HeLa cells with interferon-gamma induces a DNA-binding factor, IBP-1, specific for a site within the interferon response sequence (IRS) of the H-2Kb promoter. The mol. wt of IBP-1, as estimated by photoactivated protein-DNA crosslinking analysis, is approximately 59 kd. Point-mutation of this binding site abolishes IBP-1 interaction and the ability of the MHC promoter to respond to interferon. Induction of this binding activity is rapid and closely parallels the previously reported time course of transcriptional activation of endogenous MHC class I genes. Treatment of cells with cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor, blocked the induction of the DNA-binding activity. An oligonucleotide derived from the virus- and double-stranded RNA-inducible promoter of the interferon-beta 1 gene is able to bind IBP-1. Sequences similar to the IBP-1 binding site are found upstream of many interferon-responsive genes.

Animals↗

Expressed MHC class II genes in sea otters (Enhydra lutris) from geographically disparate populations.

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is central to maintaining the immunologic vigor of individuals and populations. Classical MHC class II genes were targeted for partial sequencing in sea otters (Enhydra lutris) from populations in California, Washington, and Alaska. Sequences derived from sea otter peripheral blood leukocyte mRNAs were similar to those classified as DQA, DQB, DRA, and DRB in other species. Comparisons of the derived amino acid compositions supported the classification of these as functional molecules from at least one DQA, DQB, and DRA locus and at least two DRB loci. While limited in scope, phylogenetic analysis of the DRB peptide-binding region suggested the possible existence of distinct clades demarcated by geographic region. These preliminary findings support the need for additional MHC gene sequencing and expansion to a comprehensive study targeting additional otters.

Alaska↗

Regulation of MHC class I and beta 2-microglobulin gene expression in human neuronal cells. Factor binding to conserved cis-acting regulatory sequences correlates with expression of the genes.

MHC class I molecules are coexpressed with beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-M) on many somatic cells. However, these proteins are normally not present on cells of the central nervous system (CNS). Cells derived from human neuroblastomas were used as a model for investigating the molecular basis for the paucity of MHC class I and beta 2-M gene expression in neural cells and for the induction of these genes by two cytokines, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha. These cytokines independently increased MHC class I and beta 2-M cell surface expression on the neuroblastoma cell lines. IFN-gamma or TNF-alpha also increased MHC class I and beta 2-M steady-state RNA levels and the expression of MHC class I and beta 2-M CAT reporter constructs transiently transfected into the neuroblastoma cell lines, indicating that the cytokines acted by increasing the transcription of these genes. MHC class I and beta 2-M genes share two conserved regulatory elements, an NF kappa B-like site and the IFN consensus sequence, that act as a constitutive enhancer and an IFN-responsive element, respectively. Low MHC class I and beta 2-M gene expression in these cells was accounted for by undetectable to low factor binding activity specific for the above regulatory elements of these genes. TNF-alpha increased factor binding activity specific for the NF kappa B-like elements and IFN-gamma increased factor binding activity specific for the IFN consensus sequence elements of the MHC class I and beta 2-M genes, but not vice versa. Taken together, our results indicated that IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha increased MHC class I and beta 2-M gene expression in the neuroblastoma cell lines by inducing factor binding to the regulatory elements present in both genes.

Base Sequence↗

Natural variation in immune responsiveness, with special reference to immunodeficiency and promoter polymorphism in class II MHC genes.

This review deals with natural selection operating on heterozygotes as a key factor controlling (a) the frequency of immunodeficiencies, and (b) promoter polymorphism in MHC class II genes. The known difference in frequency distribution of X-linked and autosomal deficiencies lend support to this possibility, and suggest that the frequency of neonatal defect may rise as old-established equlibria between entry and exit of deleterious mutations change. MHC class II gene promoters differ in their capacity to favor Th1 (or reciprocally Th2) responses, thus suggesting that promoter polymorphism is sustained by the greater flexibility in response that this confers on heterozygotes.

Animals↗