Abstract
Class I major histocompatibility complex (Mhc) cDNA clones were isolated from axolotl mRNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and by screening a cDNA phage library. The nucleotide and predicted amino acid sequences show definite similarities to the Mhc class Iα molecules of higher vertebrates. Most of the amino acids in the peptide binding region that dock peptides at their N and C termini in mammals are conserved. Several amino acids considered to be important for the interaction of β2-microglobulin with the Mhc α chain are also conserved in the axolotl sequence. The fact that axolotl class I A cDNAs are ubiquitously expressed and highly polymorphic in the α1 and α2 domains suggests the classical nature of axolotl class I A genes.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 3 June 1996 / Revised: 14 October 1996
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Sammut, B., Laurens, V. & Tournefier, A. Isolation of Mhc class I cDNAs from the axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum . Immunogenetics 45, 285–294 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002510050207
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002510050207