Immunogenetic novelty confers a selective advantage in host–pathogen coevolution

Abstract excerpt

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is crucial to the adaptive immune response of vertebrates and is among the most polymorphic gene families known. Its high diversity is usually attributed to selection imposed by fast-evolving pathogens. Pathogens are thought to evolve to escape recognition by common immune alleles, and, hence, novel MHC alleles, introduced through mutation, recombination, or gene flow,...

Topics

Share this publication in a Topic to start or enrich a Post.

• Share to Evolution and Genetic Dynamics
• Share to Vector-borne infectious diseases
• Share to Viral Infections and Vectors