The Germline Database Working Group of the AIRR Community is pleased to announce publication on OGRDB of rhesus macaque germline sets covering all three IG loci. These sets include IG sequences from the recent publication in Immunity, “Population-level genomic analysis of immunoglobulin loci variation in rhesus macaques reveals extensive germline diversity” [1], derived from 106 Indian-origin macaques, and IGH sequences from the Karolinska Institutet Macaque Database [2]. In terms of size, scope and quality, we believe these sets represent a significant advance for the field.
Number of sequences included
| V | D | J | |
| IGH | 1222 | 72 | 18 |
| IGK | 649 | 7 | |
| IGL | 423 | 14 |
Naming
As outlined in [1], genomic sequencing of multiple animals has revealed significant genomic complexity, making it impractical at this stage to assign traditional gene names. We have therefore followed the ASC approach as outlined in the study, and adopted the names assigned there. The OGRDB records for each sequence show any inclusion in the other databases covered by the study, and the names assigned in those databases.
Inclusion criteria
Functional sequences from both sources were included (see [3] for definitions of functionality, and [1] for specific observations on IGHD genes from that source). Sequences from [1] were further screened to ensure that genomic sequencing met the criteria set by the TR-IG Nomenclature Review Committee of the International Union of Immunological Societies for review of inferences from targeted long-range sequencing [4].
Supporting evidence
OGRDB records for each sequence provide supporting evidence from [1] where available. Repertoire and genomic data can be reviewed on VDJbase, which also has a dedicated portal for this study. Where genomic support from [2] is available, it is listed in the Notes for the sequence.
Future development of the reference set
We believe that the current set provides a good foundation for further refinement. Going forward we plan to include further sequences that meet criteria outlined in [4] and have received permanent identifiers from the TR-IG Nomenclature Review Committee. Sequences included from [1] will be submitted to the Committee for ratification.
References
- Peres et al., “Population-level genomic analysis of immunoglobulin loci variation in rhesus macaques reveals extensive germline diversity”. Immunity (2025), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.immuni.2025.12.002
- Vazquez Bernat, N. et al, “Rhesus and cynomolgus macaque immunoglobulin heavy-chain genotyping yields comprehensive databases of germline VDJ alleles”. Immunity (2018), https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.immuni.2020.12.018
- Lees, W.D. et al, Bioinformatics, “Digger: directed annotation of immunoglobulin and T cell receptor V, D, and J gene sequences and assemblies”. Bioinformatics (2024), https://doi.org/10. 1093/bioinformatics/btae144.
- https://iuis.org/committees/nom/nomenclature-sub-committees/t-cell-receptor-and-immunoglobulin-nomenclature-sc/