Landmark Genotyping Study Demonstrates the Power of 454 Life Sciences Systems for Immunogenetics

BRANFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A study published online today in the prestigious Nature Medicine journal reports that researchers at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center have explored a new high-throughput method for decoding one of the most critical genomic regions for the immune system. In the study, they used ultra-deep sequencing with the Genome Sequencer FLX System from 454 Life Sciences, a Roche Company (SWX:RO) (SWX:ROG) (Pink Sheets: RHHBY), to perform rapid major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I genotyping in macaques, a common model primate. The MHC is a gene-rich portion of the human and monkey genome that plays a critical role in the immune system. Robust genotyping methods are essential for studies of the T cell response, including research on autoimmune and infectious disease, transplantation, and vaccine development.