A new antigen receptor gene family that undergoes rearrangement and extensive somatic diversification in sharks
Article Abstract:
The study of a new type of molecule from the immunoglobulin superfamily obtained from Ginglymostoma cirratum, the nurse shark, reveals that the mechanism of rearranging loci that are different from T-cell receptor (TCR) molecules and immunoglobin is caused by evolution of the species. The immunoglobin and T-cell receptor (TCR) molecules are essential elements of the adaptive immune system in present day species. The TCR and immunoglobin have formed through the mechanism of loci rearrangement from primitive receptor molecules, similar to the new type of molecule obtained from the Ginglymostoma cirratum.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1995
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Somatic diversification of variable lymphocyte receptors in the agnathan sea lamprey
Article Abstract:
A study of a search for primordial molecular elements of the vertebrate immune system in the sea lamprey revealing a new type of highly variable lymphocyte receptors (VLRs) is presented. The precise mechanism underlying the somatic generation of mature VLRs requires further study but various evolutionary strategies to generate highly diverse lymphocyte receptors through rearrangement of leucine-rich repeats (LRR) modules in agnathans.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2004
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Another manifestation of GOD
Article Abstract:
A report on the lamprey, as an unlikely centre of attraction in the studies of the evolution of the adaptive immune system is presented. Evidence of a fascinating variation on how the generation of diversity (GOD) system operates as well as how GOD is accomplished for the 'variable lymphocyte receptors' (VLRs) is also provided by these studies.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2004
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