Do infectious diseases drive MHC diversity?

The primary function of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is to allow the immune system to identify infectious pathogens and eliminate them. Infectious diseases are now thought to be the main selection force that drives and maintains the extraordinary diversity of the MHC.

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Microbes and Infection 2000-09, Vol.2 (11), p.1335-1341
Main Authors: Jeffery, Katie J.M, Bangham, Charles R.M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alleles
Animals
Biological and medical sciences
cytotoxic T lymphocyte
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Fundamental immunology
Genes, MHC Class I
Genes, MHC Class II
Genetic Predisposition to Disease
Genetic Variation
Genetics of the immune response
Heterozygote
Humans
Immunity, Innate
Immunobiology
infection
Infection - immunology
Major Histocompatibility Complex
polymorphism
Polymorphism, Genetic
selection
Selection, Genetic
virus
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Description
Summary:The primary function of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is to allow the immune system to identify infectious pathogens and eliminate them. Infectious diseases are now thought to be the main selection force that drives and maintains the extraordinary diversity of the MHC.
ISSN:1286-4579
1769-714X
DOI:10.1016/S1286-4579(00)01287-9