Genomic sequence analysis of the MHC class I G/F segment in common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

Marmosets as models of infectious diseases

Animal models of infectious disease often serve a crucial purpose in obtaining licensure of therapeutics and medical countermeasures, particularly in situations where human trials are not feasible, i.e., for those diseases that occur infrequently in the human population. The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), a Neotropical new-world (platyrrhines) non-human primate, has gained increasing attention as an animal model for a number of diseases given its small size, availability and evolutionary proximity to humans. This review aims to (i) discuss the pros and cons of the common marmoset as an animal model by providing a brief snapshot of how marmosets are currently utilized in biomedical research, (ii) summarize and evaluate relevant aspects of the marmoset immune system to the study of infectious diseases, (iii) provide a historical backdrop, outlining the significance of infectious diseases and the importance of developing reliable animal models to test novel therapeutics, and (iv) provide a summary of infectious diseases for which a marmoset model exists, followed by an in-depth discussion of the marmoset models of two studied bacterial infectious diseases (tularemia and melioidosis) and one viral infectious disease (viral hepatitis C).

An Introduction to the Callithrix Genus and Overview of Recent Advances in Marmoset Research

We provide here a current overview of marmoset (Callithrix) evolution, hybridization, species biology, basic/biomedical research, and conservation initiatives. Composed of 2 subgroups, the aurita group (C aurita and C flaviceps) and the jacchus group (C geoffroyi, C jacchus, C kuhlii, and C penicillata), this relatively young primate radiation is endemic to the Brazilian Cerrado, Caatinga, and Atlantic Forest biomes. Significant impacts on Callithrix within these biomes resulting from anthropogenic activity include (1) population declines, particularly for the aurita group; (2) widespread geographic displacement, biological invasions, and range expansions of C jacchus and C penicillata; (3) anthropogenic hybridization; and (4) epizootic Yellow Fever and Zika viral outbreaks. A number of Brazilian legal and conservation initiatives are now in place to protect the threatened aurita group and increase research about them. Due to their small size and rapid life history, marmosets are prized biomedical models. As a result, there are increasingly sophisticated genomic Callithrix resources available and burgeoning marmoset functional, immuno-, and epigenomic research. In both the laboratory and the wild, marmosets have given us insight into cognition, social group dynamics, human disease, and pregnancy. Callithrix jacchus and C penicillata are emerging neotropical primate models for arbovirus disease, including Dengue and Zika. Wild marmoset populations are helping us understand sylvatic transmission and human spillover of Zika and Yellow Fever viruses. All of these factors are positioning marmosets as preeminent models to facilitate understanding of facets of evolution, hybridization, conservation, human disease, and emerging infectious diseases.

Evolution of HLA-F and its orthologues in primate species: a complex tale of conservation, diversification and inactivation

HLA-F represents one of the nonclassical MHC class I molecules in humans. Its main characteristics involve low levels of polymorphism in combination with a restricted tissue distribution. This signals that the gene product executes a specialised function, which, however, is still poorly understood. Relatively little is known about the evolutionary equivalents of this gene in nonhuman primates, especially with regard to population data. Here we report a comparative genetic analysis of the orthologous genes of HLA-F in various great ape, Old World monkey (OWM), and New World monkey (NWM) species. HLA-F-related transcripts were found in all subjects studied. Low levels of polymorphism were encountered, although the length of the predicted gene products may vary. In most species, one or two transcripts were discovered, indicating the presence of only one active F-like gene per chromosome. An exception was provided by a New World monkey species, namely, the common marmoset. In this species, the gene has been subject to duplication, giving rise to up to six F-like transcripts per animal. In humans, great apes, and OWM, and probably the majority of the NWM species, the evolutionary equivalents of the HLA-F gene experienced purifying selection. In the marmoset, however, the gene was initially duplicated, but the expansion was subjected afterwards to various mechanisms of genetic inactivation, as evidenced by the presence of pseudogenes and an array of genetic artefacts in a section of the transcripts.

Comparative genetics of the major histocompatibility complex in humans and nonhuman primates

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is one of the most gene-dense regions of the mammalian genome. Multiple genes within the human MHC (HLA) show extensive polymorphism, and currently, more than 26,000 alleles divided over 39 different genes are known. Nonhuman primate (NHP) species are grouped into great and lesser apes and Old and New World monkeys, and their MHC is studied mostly because of their important role as animal models in preclinical research or in connection with conservation biology purposes. The evolutionary equivalents of many of the HLA genes are present in NHP species, and these genes may also show abundant levels of polymorphism. This review is intended to provide a comprehensive comparison relating to the organization and polymorphism of human and NHP MHC regions.

The response of common marmoset immunity against cedar pollen extract

The in vivo model of pollinosis has been established using rodents, but the model cannot completely mimic human pollinosis. We used Callithrix jacchus, the common marmoset (CM), to establish a pollinosis animal model using intranasal weekly administration of cedar pollen extract with cholera toxin adjuvant. Some of the treated CMs exhibited the symptoms of snitching, excess nasal mucus and/or sneezing, but the period was very short, and the symptoms disappeared after several weeks. The CD4+CD25+ cell ratio in the peripheral blood increased in CMs quickly after the nasal administration of cedar pollen extract, but the timing was not parallel with the symptoms. IL-10 mRNA was enhanced in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), suggesting CM-induced tolerance for cedar pollen administration. Similarly, Foxp3 mRNA was also detected in the PBMC. Additive sensitization of these CMs with Ascaris egg administration did not enhance chronic inflammation of type 1 allergy to induce the symptoms. These results suggest that the environmental immune cells develop transient allergic symptoms and subsequent immune-tolerance in the intranasally sensitized CMs.

Comparative immunity of antigen recognition, differentiation, and other functional molecules: similarities and differences among common marmosets, humans, and mice

The common marmoset (CM; Callithrix jacchus) is a small New World monkey with a high rate of pregnancy and is maintained in closed colonies as an experimental animal species. Although CMs are used for immunological research, such as studies of autoimmune disease and infectious disease, their immunological characteristics are less defined than those of other nonhuman primates. We and others have analyzed antigen recognition-related molecules, the development of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), and the molecules involved in the immune response. CMs systemically express Caja-G, a major histocompatibility complex class I molecule, and the ortholog of HLA-G, a suppressive nonclassical HLA class I molecule. HSCs express CD117, while CD34 is not essential for multipotency. CD117+ cells developed into all hematopoietic cell lineages, but compared with human HSCs, B cells did not extensively develop when HSCs were transplanted into an immunodeficient mouse. Although autoimmune models have been successfully established, sensitization of CMs with some bacteria induced a low protective immunity. In CMs, B cells were observed in the periphery, but IgG levels were very low compared with those in humans and mice. This evidence suggests that CM immunity is partially suppressed systemically. Such immune regulation might benefit pregnancy in CMs, which normally deliver dizygotic twins, the placentae of which are fused and the immune cells of which are mixed. In this review, we describe the CM immune system and discuss the possibility of using CMs as a model of human immunity.

Genetics of Natural Killer Cells in Human Health, Disease, and Survival

Natural killer (NK) cells have vital functions in human immunity and reproduction. In the innate and adaptive immune responses to infection, particularly by viruses, NK cells respond by secreting inflammatory cytokines and killing infected cells. In reproduction, NK cells are critical for genesis of the placenta, the organ that controls the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the growing fetus. Controlling NK cell functions are interactions of HLA class I with inhibitory NK cell receptors. First evolved was the conserved interaction of HLA-E with CD94:NKG2A; later established were diverse interactions of HLA-A, -B, and -C with killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors. Characterizing the latter interactions is rapid evolution, which distinguishes human populations and all species of higher primate. Driving this evolution are the different and competing selections imposed by pathogens on NK cell-mediated immunity and by the constraints of human reproduction on NK cell-mediated placentation. Promoting rapid evolution is independent segregation of polymorphic receptors and ligands throughout human populations.

EBV Infection and Multiple Sclerosis: Lessons from a Marmoset Model

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is thought to be initiated by the interaction of genetic and environmental factors, eliciting an autoimmune attack on the central nervous system. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the strongest infectious risk factor, but an explanation for the paradox between high infection prevalence and low MS incidence remains elusive. We discuss new data using marmosets with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) - a valid primate model of MS. The findings may help to explain how a common infection can contribute to the pathogenesis of MS. We propose that EBV infection induces citrullination of peptides in conjunction with autophagy during antigen processing, endowing B cells with the capacity to cross-present autoantigen to CD8⁺CD56⁺ T cells, thereby leading to MS progression.

Gene conversion of the major histocompatibility complex class I Caja-G in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

Currently, the amount of sequenced and classified MHC class I genes of the common marmoset is limited, in spite of the wide use of this species as an animal model for biomedical research. In this study, 480 clones of MHC class I G locus (Caja‐G) cDNA sequences were obtained from 21 common marmosets. Up to 10 different alleles were detected in each common marmoset, leading to the assumption that the Caja‐G loci duplicated in the marmoset genome. In the investigated population, four alleles occurred more often, giving evidence for higher immunological advantage of these alleles. In contrast to the human non‐classical MHC class I genes, Caja‐G shows high rates of polymorphism at the relevant peptide‐binding sites, despite its phylogenetic relationship to the non‐classical HLA‐G. Our results provide information for better understanding of the immunological properties of the common marmoset and confirm the theory of a gene conversion of the Caja‐G due to its detected plasticity and the absence of any known HLA‐A equivalent.

Co-evolution of MHC class I and variable NK cell receptors in placental mammals

Shaping natural killer (NK) cell functions in human immunity and reproduction are diverse killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) that recognize polymorphic MHC class I determinants. A survey of placental mammals suggests that KIRs serve as variable NK cell receptors only in certain primates and artiodactyls. Divergence of the functional and variable KIRs in primates and artiodactyls predates placental reproduction. Among artiodactyls, cattle but not pigs have diverse KIRs. Catarrhine (humans, apes, and Old World monkeys) and platyrrhine (New World monkeys) primates, but not prosimians, have diverse KIRs. Platyrrhine and catarrhine systems of KIR and MHC class I are highly diverged, but within the catarrhines, a stepwise co-evolution of MHC class I and KIR is discerned. In Old World monkeys, diversification focuses on MHC-A and MHC-B and their cognate lineage II KIR. With evolution of C1-bearing MHC-C from MHC-B, as informed by orangutan, the focus changes to MHC-C and its cognate lineage III KIR. Evolution of C2 from C1 and fixation of MHC-C drove further elaboration of MHC-C-specific KIR, as exemplified by chimpanzee. In humans, the evolutionary trajectory changes again. Emerging from reorganization of the KIR locus and selective attenuation of KIR avidity for MHC class I are the functionally distinctive KIR A and KIR B haplotypes.

Discovery of novel MHC-class I alleles and haplotypes in Filipino cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) by pyrosequencing and Sanger sequencing: Mafa-class I polymorphism

Although the low polymorphism of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) transplantation genes in the Filipino cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis) is expected to have important implications in the selection and breeding of animals for medical research, detailed polymorphism information is still lacking for many of the duplicated class I genes. To better elucidate the degree and types of MHC polymorphisms and haplotypes in the Filipino macaque population, we genotyped 127 unrelated animals by the Sanger sequencing method and high-resolution pyrosequencing and identified 112 different alleles, 28 at cynomolgus macaque MHC (Mafa)-A, 54 at Mafa-B, 12 at Mafa-I, 11 at Mafa-E, and seven at Mafa-F alleles, of which 56 were newly described. Of them, the newly discovered Mafa-A8*01:01 lineage allele had low nucleotide similarities (<86%) with primate MHC class I genes, and it was also conserved in the Vietnamese and Indonesian populations. In addition, haplotype estimations revealed 17 Mafa-A, 23 Mafa-B, and 12 Mafa-E haplotypes integrated with 84 Mafa-class I haplotypes and Mafa-F alleles. Of these, the two Mafa-class I haplotypes, F/A/E/B-Hp1 and F/A/E/B-Hp2, had the highest haplotype frequencies at 10.6 and 10.2%, respectively. This suggests that large scale genetic screening of the Filipino macaque population would identify these and other high-frequency Mafa-class I haplotypes that could be used as MHC control animals for the benefit of biomedical research.

Patterns of MHC-G-Like and MHC-B Diversification in New World Monkeys

The MHC class I (MHC-I) region in New World monkeys (Platyrrhini) has remained relatively understudied. To evaluate the diversification patterns and transcription behavior of MHC-I in Platyrrhini, we first analyzed public genomic sequences from the MHC-G-like subregion in Saimiri boliviensis, Ateles geoffroyi and Callicebus moloch, and from the MHC-B subregion in Saimiri boliviensis. While S. boliviensis showed multiple copies of both MHC-G-like (10) and –B (15) loci, A. geoffroyi and C. moloch had only three and four MHC-G-like genes, respectively, indicating that not all Platyrrhini species have expanded their MHC-I loci. We then sequenced MHC-G-like and -B cDNAs from nine Platyrrhini species, recovering two to five unique cDNAs per individual for both loci classes. In two Saguinus species, however, no MHC-B cDNAs were found. In phylogenetic trees, MHC-G-like cDNAs formed genus-specific clusters whereas the MHC-B cDNAs grouped by Platyrrhini families, suggesting a more rapid diversification of the former. Furthermore, cDNA sequencing in 12 capuchin monkeys showed that they transcribe at least four MHC-G-like and five MHC-B polymorphic genes, showing haplotypic diversity for gene copy number and signatures of positive natural selection at the peptide binding region. Finally, a quantitative index for MHC:KIR affinity was proposed and tested to predict putative interacting pairs. Altogether, our data indicate that i) MHC-I genes has expanded differentially among Platyrrhini species, ii) Callitrichinae (tamarins and marmosets) MHC-B loci have limited or tissue-specific expression, iii) MHC-G-like genes have diversified more rapidly than MHC-B genes, and iv) the MHC-I diversity is generated mainly by genetic polymorphism and gene copy number variation, likely promoted by natural selection for ligand binding.

Allogeneic Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells Derived From Embryonic Stem Cells Promote Functional Recovery After Transplantation Into Injured Spinal Cord of Nonhuman Primates

: Previous studies have demonstrated that neural stem/progenitor cells (NS/PCs) promote functional recovery in rodent animal models of spinal cord injury (SCI). Because distinct differences exist in the neuroanatomy and immunological responses between rodents and primates, it is critical to determine the effectiveness and safety of allografted embryonic stem cell (ESC)-derived NS/PCs (ESC-NS/PCs) in a nonhuman primate SCI model. In the present study, common marmoset ESC-NS/PCs were grafted into the lesion epicenter 14 days after contusive SCI in adult marmosets (transplantation group). In the control group, phosphate-buffered saline was injected instead of cells. In the presence of a low-dose of tacrolimus, several grafted cells survived without tumorigenicity and differentiated into neurons, astrocytes, or oligodendrocytes. Significant differences were found in the transverse areas of luxol fast blue-positive myelin sheaths, neurofilament-positive axons, corticospinal tract fibers, and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1-positive vessels at the lesion epicenter between the transplantation and control groups. Immunoelectron microscopic examination demonstrated that the grafted ESC-NS/PC-derived oligodendrocytes contributed to the remyelination of demyelinated axons. In addition, some grafted neurons formed synaptic connections with host cells, and some transplanted neurons were myelinated by host cells. Eventually, motor functional recovery significantly improved in the transplantation group compared with the control group. In addition, a mixed lymphocyte reaction assay indicated that ESC-NS/PCs modulated the allogeneic immune rejection. Taken together, our results indicate that allogeneic transplantation of ESC-NS/PCs from a nonhuman primate promoted functional recovery after SCI without tumorigenicity.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study demonstrates that allogeneic embryonic stem cell (ESC)-derived neural stem/progenitor cells (NS/PCs) promoted functional recovery after transplantation into the injured spinal cord in nonhuman primates. ESC-NS/PCs were chosen because ESC-NS/PCs are one of the controls for induced pluripotent stem cell-derived NS/PCs and because ESC derivatives are possible candidates for clinical use. This translational research using an allograft model of a nonhuman primate is critical for clinical application of grafting NS/PCs derived from various allogeneic pluripotent stem cells, especially induced pluripotent stem cells, into injured spinal cord at the subacute phase.

Common marmoset CD117+ hematopoietic cells possess multipotency

Analysis of the hematopoiesis of non-human primates is important to clarify the evolution of primate-specific hematopoiesis and immune regulation. However, the engraftment and development of the primate hematopoietic system are well-documented only in humans and are not clear in non-human primates. Callithrix jacchus (common marmoset, CM) is a New World monkey with a high rate of pregnancy and small size that lives in closed colonies. As stem cell factor (SCF) is an essential molecule for hematopoietic stem cell development in mice and humans, we focused on CD117, the SCF receptor, and examined whether CD117-expressing cells possess the hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell characteristics of newborn marmoset-derived hematopoietic cells that can develop into T cells and B cells. When CD117(+) cell fractions of the bone marrow were transplanted into immunodeficient NOD (non-obese diabetic)/Shi-scid, common γc-null (NOG) mice, these cells engrafted efficiently in the bone marrow and spleens of the NOG mice. The CD117(+) cells developed into myeloid lineage cells, CD20(+) B cells and CD3(+) T cells, which could express CM cytokines in vivo. The development of B cells did not precede that of T cells. The development of CD8(+) T cells was dominant in NOG mice. The engraftment was comparable for both CD117(+)CD34(+) cells and CD117(+)CD34(-) cells. These results suggest that the CD117(+) cell fraction can differentiate into all three cell lineages, and the development of marmoset immunity in the xenogeneic environment follows diverse developmental pathways compared with human immunity.

Identification of MHC I class genes in two Platyrrhini species

The major histocompatibility complex is a diverse gene family that plays a crucial role in the adaptive immune system. In humans, the MHC class I genes consist of the classical loci of HLA-A, -B, and -C, and the nonclassical loci HLA-E, -F, and -G. In Platyrrhini species, few MHC class I genes have been described so far and were classified as MHC-E, MHC-F, and MHC-G, with MHC-G possibly representing a classical MHC class I locus while there were arguments about the existence of the MHC-B locus in Platyrrhini. In this study, MHC class I genes were identified in eight common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) and two brown-headed spider monkeys (Ateles fusciceps). For common marmosets, 401 cDNA sequences were sequenced and 18 alleles were detected, including 14 Caja-G alleles and 4 Caja-B alleles. Five to eleven Caja-G alleles and one to three Caja-B alleles were detected in each animal. For brown-headed spider monkeys, 102 cDNA sequences were analyzed, and 9 new alleles were identified, including 5 Atfu-G and 4 Atfu-B alleles. Two or three Atfu-G and two Atfu-B alleles were obtained for each of animal. In phylogenetic analyses, the MHC-G and -B alleles from the two species and other Platyrrhini species show locus-specific clusters with bootstrap values of 86% and 50%. The results of pairwise sequence comparisons and an excess of non-synonymous nucleotide substitutions in the PBR region are consistent with the suggestion that Caja-G and Atfu-G may be classical MHC class I loci in the Platyrrhini species… But it appears that MHC-B locus of the two Platyrrhini species shares features with both classical and nonclasical MHC class I loci. Our results are an important addition to the limited MHC immunogenetic information available for the Platyrrhini species.

Characterization of major histocompatibility complex class I allele polymorphisms in common marmosets

Currently, little information is available for major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I that conditions the T-cell response of marmosets. In this study, 471 clones of MHC-I cDNA sequences were isolated from 12 marmosets. Twenty full-length sequences of class I G (Caja-G) alleles were obtained from these marmosets, 15 of them were novel. Among these 20 Caja-G alleles, 10 were found in individual animals while the rests were in two to four marmosets, but none was common to all animals. Ten marmosets possessed one to three Caja-G alleles, and two marmosets carried five or six alleles, which suggested that the Caja-G locus was duplicated in marmoset's genome. The high polymorphisms of Caja-G sequences provided important information helpful for understanding the cellular immune response in virus-infected marmosets.