Allorecognition in the Tasmanian Devil
Author Information
Author(s): Kreiss Alexandre, Cheng Yuanyuan, Kimble Frank, Wells Barrie, Donovan Shaun, Belov Katherine, Woods Gregory M.
Primary Institution: Menzies Research Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania
Hypothesis
The lack of genetic diversity at the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) allows tumor cells to grow in genetically similar hosts without evoking an immune response.
Conclusion
Tasmanian devils are capable of allogeneic rejection, indicating that the lack of functional allorecognition mechanisms does not explain the transmission of a contagious cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- Tasmanian devils showed a wide range of responses in mixed lymphocyte reactions.
- All successful skin allografts were rejected within 14 days after surgery.
- The highest mixed lymphocyte reactions occurred between devils from different regions.
Takeaway
Tasmanian devils can reject skin grafts from other devils, which shows they have some immune response, even though they have low genetic diversity.
Methodology
Mixed lymphocyte reactions and skin grafts were conducted to measure functional MHC diversity in the Tasmanian devil population.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the limited genetic diversity of the population studied.
Limitations
The study was limited by the small sample size and the specific geographic locations of the devils used.
Participant Demographics
Tasmanian devils from various regions in eastern and western Tasmania.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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