Mhc class II DRB sequences of lion-tailed macaques (Macaca silenus).

The lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus) is an endangered species. Research into the genetics of this species is important as a basis for coordinated breeding programs of captive populations. Therefore, we sought to analyze the Mhc class II DRB genes of this species because of it is highly polymorphic in genetically heterogeneous populations of most species. Ten individuals from seven families were evaluated. Nine DRB second exon sequences belonging to eight allelic lineages were identified. These lineages are also present in the best-studied macaque species: the rhesus (Macaca mulatta). Although only these relatively few alleles could be isolated, they display variation on the lineage level. This may be a mechanism for increasing their functional diversity.