Differential MHC class I expression in distinct leukocyte subsets
2011

Differential MHC Class I Expression in Leukocyte Subsets

Sample size: 27 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Justin M. Greene, Roger W. Wiseman, Simon M. Lank, Benjamin N. Bimber, Julie A. Karl, Benjamin J. Burwitz, Jennifer J. Lhost, Oriana E. Hawkins, Kevin J. Kunstman, Karl W. Broman, Steven M. Wolinsky, William H. Hildebrand, David H. O'Connor

Primary Institution: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Hypothesis

How does MHC class I expression vary among different leukocyte subsets in humans and macaques?

Conclusion

MHC class I expression varies among distinct leukocyte subsets in macaques but remains consistent across human cell subsets.

Supporting Evidence

  • Macaques express more than three times the number of MHC class I transcripts as humans.
  • Differential expression of MHC class I alleles was observed in distinct leukocyte subsets.
  • Transcription of Mafa-B*134:02 was significantly higher in CD14+ cells compared to other subsets.
  • Protein expression of Mafa-B*134:02 correlated with transcript levels in monocytes.
  • Similar patterns of differential transcription were observed in Indian rhesus macaques.

Takeaway

This study found that different types of immune cells in macaques show different levels of MHC class I proteins, while human immune cells do not show much variation.

Methodology

The study used high-throughput pyrosequencing to assess MHC class I transcript levels in purified leukocyte subsets from humans and macaques.

Limitations

The study did not examine other myeloid lineage cells, which may also show differential expression.

Participant Demographics

Two HIV-negative human subjects and 23 Mauritian cynomolgus macaques, along with 4 rhesus macaques.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Statistical Significance

p<0.0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2172-12-39

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