In article <ByoqD6.Fwq at gpu.utcs.utoronto.ca>, lamoran at gpu.utcs.utoronto.ca
(L.A. Moran) writes:
> Very few of the molecules of the vertebrate immune system have an
> evolutionary history that predates the origin of chordates, this suggests
> that most of the vertebrate immune system is fairly new on the scene.
But isn't a notable exception MHC class II, which shows homology to poriferan
non-self recognition molecules?
Basic experiment is to put two sponges of different species through a sieve
(ouch!) - they then reassort into the two different species as before.
I think this (and the class II) homology is amazing!! Anyone know more...
Anthony Davies
Institute of Virology and Sponging
Mansfield Road
Oxford UK
