Data reveals genetic diversity in horses' immune systems

Insights into the genetic makeup of horses point to a wide variety of newly discovered immune-related genes to identify and fight disease.

Research on a group of genes that play an important role in the immune system of horses has identified a wide range of newly uncovered gene sequences.

The findings, from a study of three European breeds, highlight the diversity in immune system genes across populations of horses that have evolved separately, revealing a greater variety in equine immune genes than previously known.

These results, from analysis of genetic data from 168 horses, could help scientists to better understand equine health, susceptibility to disease, and inform breeding practices.

Genetic discovery

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Horse in a field

A Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies research team collaborated with colleagues in England, Iceland and Norway to harness a novel approach using an advanced, cost-effective genetic sequencing technology to examine a set of immune genes, known as the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), in three horse breeds - Thoroughbred, Icelandic, and Norwegian Fjord.

These gene sets come in two main types, MHCI and MHCII, each containing a complex arrangement of combinations that can vary significantly between individuals, enabling the immune system to recognise a wide range of potential threats.

Researchers uncovered 152 previously unknown sequences of MHCI genes, which are responsible for monitoring infections within cells, and 117 newly found sequences of MHCII, which help monitor for infections in the surrounding cells.

The discovery of this diverse array of MHC genes could contribute to a better understanding of  how genes found in the MHC affect immune responses in horses, and could have wider implications in terms of clinical treatments, the team explains.

This research was published in Genes and funded by the Horserace Betting Levy Board and the Horse Trust.

 

We found a wide range of MHC genes and patterns of gene expression, allowing us to get a glimpse of how this set of genes may function in horses. These results could prove useful for vaccine development and novel cell-based therapies that are becoming more adopted in equine medicine.

Dr Tim Connelley, Roslin institute Research Fellow

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The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is a one-of-a-kind centre of excellence in clinical activity, teaching and research. Our purpose-built campus, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Pentland Hills Regional Park, is home to more than 800 staff and almost 1400 students, all of whom contribute to our exceptional community ethos.

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The Roslin Institute

The Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems

The Roslin Innovation Centre

The Hospital for Small Animals

Equine Veterinary Services

Farm Animal Services

Easter Bush Pathology

The Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education

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