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Variability of genes of Major Histocompatibility Complex in red deer (Cervus elaphus) in relation to Fascioloides magna infection

Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes play a pivotal role in the host defence system by enabling the presentation of parasitic antigens to the immune system. Two main hypotheses are that heterozygotes are more resistant to diseases than homozygotes ; and that resistance/susceptibility toward certain pathogens is influenced by specific alleles. As non-native disease, fascioloidosis is an ideal model for monitoring the development of host-parasite interactions. For this research, 117 red deer samples were collected (Gorski kotar (n=26), Lipovljani (n=28), Radinje (n=31), Vrbanja (n=8), Spačva (n=11), Tikveš (n=13)). The locations were chosen according to the presence of F. magna. The livers were analysed macroscopically. The sequencing of the DRB MHC class II exon 2 was carried out using the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). The prevalence in regions whith F. magna was 82.42%. Exon 2 of the DRB MHC class II was analysed in 46 selected animals. A total of 44 different alleles were detected, with a maximum number of 4 alleles per animal, suggesting the existence of 2 DRB loci. Four alleles were previously known (DRB_NS36, DRB_NS38, DRB_ref01 and DRB_ref02), while other 40 were detected for the first time. Only 3 alleles are common in the red deer population from the Gorski kotar region and the lowland part of Croatia. The DRB_ref01 and DRB_ref06 alleles were detected only in the lowland populations, and the differences in the infection between animals with the DRB_ref01 and DRB_ref06 alleles were statistically significant. The fact that only 3 alleles are common in the red deer population from the Gorski kotar region and the lowland part of Croatia supports the hypothesis of the existence of two red deer subspecies – the Dinaric and Pannonian deer. The relationship between the DRB_ref01 and DRB_ref06 alleles suggests a potential evolution of host-parasite interaction.

red deer, Fascioloides magna, MHC genes, DRB locus, variability

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