Balancing selection on the complement system of a wild rodent.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Selection pressure exerted by pathogens can influence patterns of genetic diversity in the host. In the immune system especially, numerous genes encode proteins involved in antagonistic interactions with pathogens, paving the way for coevolution that results in increased genetic diversity as a consequence of balancing selection. The complement system is a key component of innate immunity. Many complement proteins interact directly with pathogens, either by recognising pathogen molecules for complement activation, or by serving as targets of pathogen immune evasion mechanisms. Complement genes can therefore be expected to be important targets of pathogen-mediated balancing selection, but analyses of such selection on this part of the immune system have been limited.

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SUBMITTER: Nandakumar M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10214634 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature