Association between the MHC gene region and variation of serum IgE levels against specific mould allergens in the horse.

The research aims to discern if there’s a correlation between the horse’s major histocompatibility complex (MHC) gene region and the production of mould-specific antibodies (IgE). The study found significant associations between specific loci and IgE levels but could not conclusively attribute the effects to the MHC or other closely linked genes.

MHC Gene Region and IgE Production

• The researchers examined the MHC region of the horse genome, specifically focusing on the equine leukocyte antigen (ELA-A) and some microsatellite markers.
• The association between these markers and the production of specific immunoglobulin E antibodies (IgE) in response to mould allergens was studied in a sample population of 448 Lipizzan horses.
• IgE antibodies are part of the body’s immune response and can be triggered by allergens like moulds.

Statistical Analysis and Results

• Statistical findings reported associations of the ELA-A and UM-011 loci with IgE titres against the recombinant Aspergillus fumigatus 7 antigen (rAsp f 7).
• The UM-011 locus was also significantly associated with IgE titres against another antigen, the recombinant Aspergillus fumigatus 8 antigen (rAsp f 8).
• A subset of the sample, 76 Lipizzans from one stud, were assessed for variations in MHC class II DQA and DRA loci.
• These latter results revealed a strong association of the DQA with IgE levels against rAsp f 7, while a similar strong association was found between UM-011 and rAsp f 8 specific IgE levels, which aligns with the results from the larger sample of 448 horses.

Implications of Research

• The findings of the study suggest that the equine MHC gene region, and possibly MHC class II loci, may influence the specific IgE response in horses.
• The strongest associations were found with DQA and UM-011 loci.
• Nevertheless, it is important to note that the research could not definitively discern whether the observed effects were due to the MHC itself or other genes closely linked to it.
• This uncertainty indicates the need for further investigation to confirm the cause of these observed effects.