Comparative molecular characterization of Forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3) gene of swamp-type (Bubalus carabanensis) and riverine-type (Bubalus bubalis) water buffaloes

Abstract

FoxP3 is a forkhead family member that plays an important role in the development and function of a type of CD4 + T cell called T regulatory cells. Molecular characterization of FoxP3 gene in swamp- and riverine-type water buffaloes was conducted to determine its homology and compare it to the FoxP3 gene of other animal species (cattle, goat, sheep, horse, pig, cat, and dog), determine its unique characteristics in water buffaloes, and provide a reference for future studies to analyze its immunological function. FoxP3 nucleotide sequence of swamp- and riverine-type water buffaloes was 99% identical, whereas its protein translation revealed 97% homology. FoxP3 of swamp- and riverine-type water buffaloes were compared to FoxP3 of other animal species and revealed a high degree of homology which suggests that they may have the same biological properties. This study is the first report that describes the genetic characteristic of FoxP3 gene in water buffalo.

Keywords: CD4+; Forkhead family; FoxP3; T regulatory cells; Water buffalo.