@article{gojanovich_ross_holmer_holmes_hess_2013, title={Characterization and allelic variation of the transporters associated with antigen processing (TAP) genes in the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)}, volume={41}, ISSN={0145-305X}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.dci.2013.07.011}, DOI={10.1016/j.dci.2013.07.011}, abstractNote={The function of the transporters associated with antigen processing (TAP) complex is to shuttle antigenic peptides from the cytosol to the endoplasmic reticulum to load MHC class I molecules for CD8+ T-cell immunosurveillance. Here we report the promoter and coding regions of the canine TAP1 and TAP2 genes, which encode the homologous subunits forming the TAP heterodimer. By sampling genetically divergent breeds, polymorphisms in both genes were identified, although there were few amino acid differences between alleles. Splice variants were also found. When aligned to TAP genes of other species, functional regions appeared conserved, and upon phylogenetic analysis, canine sequences segregated appropriately with their orthologs. Transfer of the canine TAP2 gene into a murine TAP2-defective cell line rescued surface MHC class I expression, confirming exporter function. This data should prove useful in investigating the association of specific TAP defects or alleles with immunity to intracellular pathogens and cancer in dogs.}, number={4}, journal={Developmental & Comparative Immunology}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Gojanovich, Gregory S. and Ross, Peter and Holmer, Savannah G. and Holmes, Jennifer C. and Hess, Paul R.}, year={2013}, month={Dec}, pages={578–586} }
 @article{ross_holmes_gojanovich_hess_2012, title={A cell-based MHC stabilization assay for the detection of peptide binding to the canine classical class I molecule, DLA-88}, volume={150}, ISSN={["0165-2427"]}, url={http://europepmc.org/articles/PMC3494747}, DOI={10.1016/j.vetimm.2012.08.012}, abstractNote={Identifying immunodominant CTL epitopes is essential for studying CD8+ T-cell responses in populations, but remains difficult, as peptides within antigens typically are too numerous for all to be synthesized and screened. Instead, to facilitate discovery, in silico scanning of proteins for sequences that match the motif, or binding preferences, of the restricting MHC class I allele - the largest determinant of immunodominance - can be used to predict likely candidates. The high false positive rate with this analysis ideally requires binding confirmation, which is obtained routinely by an assay using cell lines such as RMA-S that have defective transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) machinery, and consequently, few surface class I molecules. The stabilization and resultant increased life-span of peptide-MHC complexes on the cell surface by the addition of true binders validates their identity. To determine whether a similar assay could be developed for dogs, we transfected a prevalent class I allele, DLA-88*50801, into RMA-S. In the BARC3 clone, the recombinant heavy chain was associated with murine β2-microglobulin, and importantly, could differentiate motif-matched and -mismatched peptides by surface MHC stabilization. This work demonstrates the potential to use RMA-S cells transfected with canine alleles as a tool for CTL epitope discovery in this species.}, number={3-4}, journal={VETERINARY IMMUNOLOGY AND IMMUNOPATHOLOGY}, author={Ross, Peter and Holmes, Jennifer C. and Gojanovich, Gregory S. and Hess, Paul R.}, year={2012}, month={Dec}, pages={206–212} }
 @article{ross_buntzman_vincent_grover_gojanovich_collins_frelinger_hess_2012, title={Allelic diversity at the DLA-88 locus in Golden Retriever and Boxer breeds is limited}, volume={80}, ISSN={["1399-0039"]}, url={http://europepmc.org/articles/PMC3407292}, DOI={10.1111/j.1399-0039.2012.01889.x}, abstractNote={In the dog, previous analyses of major histocompatibility complex class I genes suggest a single polymorphic locus, dog leukocyte antigen (DLA)‐88. While 51 alleles have been reported, estimates of prevalence have not been made. We hypothesized that, within a breed, DLA‐88 diversity would be restricted, and one or more dominant alleles could be identified. Accordingly, we determined allele usage in 47 Golden Retrievers and 39 Boxers. In each population, 10 alleles were found; 4 were shared. Seven novel alleles were identified. DLA‐88*05101 and *50801 predominated in Golden Retrievers, while most Boxers carried *03401. In these breeds, DLA‐88 polymorphisms are limited and largely non‐overlapping. The finding of highly prevalent alleles fulfills an important prerequisite for studying canine CD8+ T‐cell responses.}, number={2}, journal={TISSUE ANTIGENS}, author={Ross, P. and Buntzman, A. S. and Vincent, B. G. and Grover, E. N. and Gojanovich, G. S. and Collins, E. J. and Frelinger, J. A. and Hess, P. R.}, year={2012}, month={Aug}, pages={175–183} }