International Journal of Molecular Veterinary Research, 2025, Vol.15, No.1, 1-12 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmvr 1 Feature Review Open Access The Evolution of Immune System Genes in Canids: A Comparative Genomic Approach Xuezhong Zhang1 , JunWang2 1 Tropical Animal Medicine Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China 2 Animal Science Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: xuezhong.zhang@hitar.org International Journal of Molecular Veterinary Research, 2025, Vol.15, No.1 doi: 10.5376/ijmvr.2025.15.0001 Received: 10 Dec., 2024 Accepted: 15 Jan., 2025 Published: 25 Jan., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Zhang and Wang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Zhang X.Z., and Wang J., 2025, The evolution of immune system genes in canids: a comparative genomic approach, International Journal of Molecular Veterinary Research, 15(1): 1-12 (doi: 10.5376/ijmvr.2025.15.0001) Abstract The Canidae family, which includes species such as wolves, foxes, and domestic dogs, inhabits diverse ecological environments and faces a wide range of pathogenic threats. This study employs a comparative genomics approach to explore the genetic diversity, evolutionary trajectories, and functional adaptations of immune genes in canids. It focuses on the structure and function of innate and adaptive immune genes, and on the roles of natural selection, gene duplication, and horizontal gene transfer in shaping the immune gene repertoire, as well as the unique adaptations found in wild and domesticated canids. Advances in next-generation sequencing technology have facilitated the identification and classification of immune genes, revealing mechanisms that are both conserved across mammalian lineages and species-specific. Special emphasis is placed on the critical role of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in pathogen recognition and its implications for disease resistance and species conservation. This study holds significant value for understanding mammalian immunity, informing conservation strategies, and guiding the development of veterinary interventions aimed at enhancing pathogen resistance in both wild and domesticated canids. Keywords Immune system evolution; Comparative genomics; Major histocompatibility complex (MHC); Pathogen pressure; Canid adaptation 1 Introduction The Canidae family, with the wolves, foxes, and domestic dog among its members, is an integral part of numerous ecosystems as predators, scavengers, and even human companions. They lead several lives and inhabit various spaces, and thus they are exposed to a multitude of pathogens, and they need to have a robust and adaptable immune system (Bartocillo et al., 2021). These pathogens have exerted evolutionary pressures that have resulted in extensive diversification of the immune genes within canids, and canids thus form a suitable group within which to examine the evolution of the immune system (Vinkler et al., 2023). Raccoon dog MHC genes involve high allelic diversity through pathogen-driven selection, recombination, and long-lasting balancing selection (Bartocillo et al., 2021). Immunogenes, particularly pathogen recognition and response genes, are under intense selective pressures (Larragy et al., 2023). Gene evolution of immune systems is important to the survival and adaptation of raccoon dogs in environments. The gene diversity enhances the efficiency of canids in distinguishing and resisting broad types of pathogens and their fitness and survival (Bradshaw and Valenzano, 2020; Vinkler et al., 2023). The purpose of this study is to research the history of dog immune genes deeply by comparative genomics approaches. According to genetic variation analysis, evolutionary history, and functional constraint of immune genes, this study tries to explore the molecular mechanism of dog immune adaptation. This study will touch on various features, from the discovery of immune genes to selection pressures acting on them and the role of some pathogens on their evolution. Keeping this in mind, we think we shall be more aware of the evolutionary processes of canine immunity and its role in resistance to disease as well as ecological adaptation.
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