| description |
Comprehensive knowledge of immunoglobulin genetics is required to advance our understanding of B cell immunity and to improve the efficiency of monoclonal antibody isolation for therapeutic applications. Databases of validated immunoglobulin variable (V) gene segments are close to completion for only two species, human and mouse. We present a novel computational approach, termed IgDiscover, to identify germline V gene sequences from expressed antibody repertoires to a specificity of 100%. IgDiscover uses a cluster identification process to produce candidate sequences that, once filtered, result in an individualized germline variable gene database for each analysis. IgDiscover has been tested in multiple species, validated by genomic cloning and cross library comparisons, and produces comprehensive V gene databases even where limited genomic sequence is available. IgDiscover analysis of the allelic content of Indian and Chinese origin rhesus macaques reveals high levels of genetic diversity with implications for disease susceptibility and evolution. |