Sequence diversity of MHC class II DRB genes in the moose Alces alces from its conitinuous range in Poland

Abstract

Many vertebrate species show a very high degree of polymorphism of the genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), which is associated with its key role in their immune response. However, studies on MHC class II DRB gene diversity in moose populations in Europe and North America have shown a low level of polymorphism, with elear differences between populations. In our study we examined the diversity in a fragment of an MHC class II DRB gene with 226 base pairs in 196 moose from Poland from seven populations. We identified eight (from 5 to 8 in particular populations) MHC II DRB alleles, of which DRBl *11 was unique to the moose population in the Biebrza Valley. This population has experienced a series of numerous significant reductions in historical times and has been largely isolated from other moose populations. Although genetic differentiation among populations for the MHC II DRB gene was low, PCA analysis elearly showed the distinct character of the Biebrza population. This may confirm the relict character of this moose population.