Host Genetics and the Skin Microbiome Independently Predict Parasite Resistance.

ABSTRACT: Host responses to parasite infection involve several interacting systems. Host genetics determine much of the response, but it is increasingly clear that the host-associated microbiome also plays a role. Host genetically determined systems and the microbiome can also interact; for example, the microbiome can modulate the immune response, and vice versa. However, it remains unclear how such interactions between the host immune system and the microbiome may influence the host's overall response to parasites. To investigate how host genetics and the microbiome interact to shape responses to parasites, we imposed truncation selection on Trinidadian guppies (Poecilia reticulata) for low and high resistance to the specialist ectoparasite Gyrodactylus turnbulli. After 3-6 generation

SUBMITTER: Kramp RD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12822735 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature