Distribution ofBoLA-DRB3Allelic Frequencies and Identification of Two New Alleles in Iranian Buffalo Breed

Abstract

The role of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in the immune response makes it an attractive candidate gene for associations with disease resistance and susceptibility. This study describes genetic variability in theBoLA-DRB3in Iranian buffaloes. Heminested PCR-RFLP method was used to identify the frequency ofBoLA-DRB3alleles. TheBoLA-DRB3locus is highly polymorphic in the study herd (12 alleles). Almost 63.50% of the alleles were accounted for by four alleles (BoLA-DRB3.2 *48,*20,*21, andobe) in Iranian buffalo. TheDRB3.2 *48allele frequency (24.20%) was higher than the others. The frequencies of theDRB3.2 *20andDRB3.2 *21are 14.52 and 14.00, respectively, andobeandgbbhave a new pattern. Significant distinctions have been found between Iranian buffalo and other cattle breed studied. In the Iranian buffaloes studied alleles associated with resistance to various diseases are found.