The Mhc class II DRB genotype of Macaca fascicularis does not influence infection by simian retrovirus type 2

Abstract

Simian retrovirus type 2 (SRV-2) is a natural pathogen of Macaca fascicularis. Although SRV-2 may be endemic in macaque colonies, it is not necessarily detected in all individuals suggesting differential susceptibility to SRV-2; factors contributing to this susceptibility are not fully understood. We have investigated the role of host genetic origin on virus susceptibility. We have shown that high levels of anti-SRV-2 antibodies correlate with failure to establish persistent virus infection, thus we targeted our genetic analysis of virus susceptibility with an investigation of the role of the polymorphic macaque major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II locus. DRB genotypes, both novel and previously characterised, were identified in individuals and family groups. A discordance with SRV-2 infection status suggests that an Mhc II DRB genotype is not overtly associated with the outcome of viral infection.

Characterization of full-length MHC class II sequences in Indonesian and Vietnamese cynomolgus macaques

“…Abbreviations used are as follows: Ch=China, In=Indonesia, Ph=Philippines, Vi=Vietnam. References for accession numbers are (1) Sano et al 2006, (2) Doxiadis et al 2006, (3) Hashiba et al 1993, (4) Ling et al 2011, (5) Kenter et al 1992, (6) Otting et al 2002, (7) unpublished, various sources (8) Gaur et al 1992, (9) Senju et al 2007, (10) Aarnink et al 2010, (11) Blancher et al 2006, (12) Leuchte et al 2004, (13) Mee et al 2008, (14) De Groot et al 2008, (15) Wei et al 2007, (16) Doxiadis et al 2010. …”

Low rates of transmission of SRV‐2 and STLV‐I to juveniles in a population of Macaca fascicularis facilitate establishment of specific retrovirus‐free colonies

“…The age range of the juveniles was 2-24 months. The animals are Indonesian cynomolgus macaques previously identified, as a genetically heterogeneous group, through polymorphism studies of the major histocompatibility locus and additional autosomal loci [11]. Whole blood was collected from animals in EDTA as an anticoagulant.…”