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Submitted to: Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 4/1/1994 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: This review article is an update on the status of the swine major histocompatibility complex; this complex became known because they encode the set of genes that determine whether tissue (kidney, bone marrow) transplants will be accepted or rejected; it is now better known as the complex of genes that encode the cell proteins that tell the body's immune system to respond to foreign antigens, e.g., the flu virus or a vaccine. The swine major histocompatibility complex is referred to as the swine leukocyte complex (SLA) complex. This manuscript reviews the genes that are known to map to the SLA complex, the reagents (monoclonal antibodies) that identify different cell proteins encoded by this complex, and the inbred lines of pigs that have been bred to homozygosity at this complex of genes. It also compares the SLA complex to the human (HLA) complex to show how similar the pig is to the human. Scientists using the swine as a model for disease studies or for transplantation will find this review updates them on the new developments in this complex area of swine genetics. Technical Abstract: As immunologists expand their knowledge of the complex factors that regulate immune responses it has become increasingly apparent that genes within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) play a central role in the processing and presentation of foreign and self antigens. This review is intended to update the reader on the current knowledge of the swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) complex: its genomic structure, the molecular biologic and monoclonal antibody (mAb) probes available for analysis of SLA gene expression, and the role of SLA genes in regulating disease and immune responses. Because of length restrictions, only highlights can be presented. |
