Cloning, characterization and expression of cDNA containing major histocompatibility complex class I, IIα and IIβ genes of Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus

ABSTRACT:   The nucleotide sequences of Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus , major histocompatibility complex (MHC) cDNA, classical MHC class Iα, non-classical MHC class Iβ, MHC class IIα and IIβ, were determined. The domain structures and antigen binding motifs of vertebrate MHC are conserved in the Japanese flounder MHC. A phylogenetic analysis supports the classification of these genes into class I and class II MHC. Classical MHC class Iα was ubiquitously expressed, whereas the non-classical MHC class Iβ was expressed mainly in lymphoid organs, gills, intestine and stomach. The MHC classes IIα and IIβ were also ubiquitously expressed.