Sequence determination of the heavy-chain constant region in four immunoglobulin classes of mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus)

Abstract

We determined partial cDNA sequences of four immunoglobulin (Ig) classes-IgM, IgG1, IgE, and IgA-of Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus). Each deduced Ig heavy-chain constant (IGHC) region-Cμ, Cγ1, Cε, and Cα-is structurally similar to its counterparts in the mouse and rat, and phylogenetic analysis suggests that the gerbil Igs are evolutionarily close to their counterparts. In spite of the high sequence homology to the other rodent Cγ sequences, the gerbil Cγ1 sequence differs from our previously reported Cγ2. This result indicates that the gerbil has at least two IgG subclasses. These four gerbil IGHC cDNA sequences will be useful for determining gerbil Ig isotypes and examining the expression of gerbil Ig mRNAs in response to parasitic and bacterial infections. © 2012 Japanese Association for Laboratory Animal Science.