Holostean genomes reveal evolutionary novelty in the vertebrate immunoproteasome that have implications for MHCI function
A study of holostean fish (gars and bowfins) has uncovered unique evolutionary variants of the PSMB8 gene, a core component of the immunoproteasome. This cellular machinery cleaves proteins into peptides for presentation by MHC class I molecules, a cornerstone of adaptive immunity. The researchers identified two novel PSMB8 types—S and K—that are unique to these ancient fish lineages and likely alter the biochemical properties of the antigen-binding pocket, potentially leading to the presentation of a novel repertoire of peptides.
Why it might matter to you:
This work provides a deep-time perspective on the molecular evolution of antigen processing, a fundamental process in human immunity and disease. Understanding how the immunoproteasome’s function has diversified in other vertebrates can inform models of human genetic variation in immune-related genes. For research focused on population-specific genomic diversity, such comparative studies highlight evolutionary constraints and innovations that may underpin differences in immune response and disease susceptibility.
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