It has been discovered, after much research from institutions across Australia, that a lack of genetic diversity among Tasmanian Devils is a key factor in the transmission of Devil Facial Tumour disease (DFTD).

"Devils do not mount an immune response against DFTD," said Dr Katherine Belov, from Sydney University’s School of Veterinary Science.

"This is due to a loss of genetic diversity in the most important immune gene region of the genome: the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC).

"In the case of devils, genetic diversity at the MHC is so low, and the MHC type of tumour and host are so alike, that the host does not see the tumour as ‘non-self’."

The research brought together scientific staff from Sydney University, the University of Tasmania’s Menzies Research Institute, the Department of Primary Industries and Water (Tasmania), the Australian Museum and Macquarie University (NSW).

"We now have a tool to measure immune response genes and we are now in search of devils whose MHC might be different from the MHC of the tumour," said Dr Greg Woods, Associate Professor Immunology at the Menzies Research Institute.

"This knowledge could then be used to alert the devil’s immune system to recognise the cancer cells as foreign.

"This will then persuade the devil’s immune system to destroy these cancer cells."

References and more information:
www.tassiedevil.com.au

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