High Allelic Diversity of the DRB3 Gene (MHC Class II) in Saiga (Saiga tatarica) L., 1766), Obtained by Next Generation Sequencing Method

Abstract

The nucleotide sequences of the alleles of the DRB3 gene of the major histocompatibility complex (class II) of saiga antelope are described. A high degree of heterozygosity is found. The results of the analysis are consistent with the hypothesis of overdominance of heterozygotes. Phylogenetic relations of the DRB3 gene alleles of the saiga antelope and other Bovidae species do not correspond to the systematic position of Saiga tatarica. It is assumed that the polymorphism of the DRB3 gene alleles of saiga is primarily due to the variety of extracellular pathogens (bacteria, protozoa, helminths, and others) affecting its population during the evolutionary history of the species.