ABSTRACT
This chapter demonstrates that a number of important functional parameters of the immune system of the cotton-top tamarin appear to be normal. It explains that the immune system of the cotton-top tamarin (Saguinus Oedipus) differs from that of other primate species in that its MHC class I loci exhibit an extremely limited degree of variation and polymorphism. The chapter explores the ramifications of this limited MHC class I diversity on the immune system of the species. The functional immune status of the peripheral blood lymphocytes of these animals was assessed by 3H-thymidine incorporation following stimulation by the lectin phytohemagglutinin. Cotton-top tamarins are also unusual in that their cells express relatively nonpolymorphic, nonvariable, HLA-G-related MHC class I molecules. The limited MHC class I diversity of the cotton-top tamarin may predispose these primates to various pathogenic processes. The relatively low level of MHC class I polymorphism detected using biochemical techniques is consistent with previously established functional data.
