Abstract

The Major Histocompatibility class II complex plays an extremely important role in disease resistance and susceptibility. A mutation in the DRB1*1101 gene of the MHC II has been implicated in parasite resistance in sheep. Evaluation of the DRB1*1101 allele and the role it plays in Haemonchus contortus infected goats has not been addressed. This study evaluated expression of the DRB1*1101 allele in goats naturally infected with Haemonchus contortus infection. Total RNA was isolated from whole blood and RT-PCR (Reverse-Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction) using primers designed to target the conserved regions of the human and sheep DRB1*1101 allele. The expected cDNA product was observed at the 201bp of the targeted DRB1*1101 region and verified by cloning and sequencing. Alignment of the Goat DRB1*1101 sequence showed 92% homology at the transcriptional level and 86% homology at the translational level with sheep. Goats pasture exposed to Haemonchus contortus had elevated (P < 0.05) DRB1*1101 allele expression. Expression was highest (P < 0.05) in Boer goats, lower in Myotonic goats and lowest (P < 0.05) in Spanish goats. Males had higher (P < 0.05) DRB1*1101 expression than females. DRB1*1101 gene expression was higher (P < 0.05) in younger vs. older goats. Goats showing resistance to Haemonchus contortus had lower (P < 0.05) DRB1*1101 expression than susceptible goats. Based on our findings, the DRB1*1101 gene in goats can potentially be used as a genetic marker for either resistance or susceptibility to Haemonchus contortus.

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