Lecture 12 Flashcards
what is the MHC complex locus called in mice? what chromosome?
H2
chr 17
what is the MHC complex locus called in human? what chromosome?
HLA
chr 6
how big the MHC locus?
7 million bp
what are 2 genes involved in MHC that are not on the same chromosome as MHC?
B2m and Ii
how are the diff MHC classes organized in the locus?
in clusters
describe beta chain in HLA-DR
2 beta chains in HLA-DR
what is unique about HLA-DM and DO?
non-classical class II molecules
since many genes involved in antigen processing are found on the human MHC locus, what is the significance?
the genes were co-selected during evolution
what is an example of non-MHC genes that are found in the human MHC locus?
complement protein genes
what is encoded in Class I besides HLA-A/B/C?
non-classical classIb genes –> HLA-E/F/G
what is a common inducer of MHC locus genes?
IFN
example of a gene induced by IFN-gamma and its role?
ClassII transactivator (not in MHC locus) induced by IFN-gamma to drive class II transcription
2 ways that MHC genes increase diversity?
- polymorphism
- polygeny
what is polymorphism?
many variations of MHC genes (i.e. alleles) at the same locus
what gene in MHC II is most polymorphic?
beta chains
what MHC class is the most polymorphic?
MHC I
which 2 MHC genes are less polymorphic?
HLA-DRalpha and H-2Ealpha
what is a consequence of polymorphism introducing many alleles for MHC I and MHC II?
unlikely to be homozygous –> therefore can present many Ag
what is a haplotype?
given combo of MHC alleles on 1 chromosome
what is polygeny?
many copies of a gene is possible
describe the type of dominant expression of MHC alleles
codominant –> all expressed at same time
evolution of MHC
MHC co-evolves with pathogens
2 types of polymorphism
- polymorphism within a population
- polymorphism within an individual
what is the name for polymorphism within a population?
Negative Frequency Dependent Selection