Molecular evolution of immune genes in the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae.

ABSTRACT:

Background

As pathogens that circumvent the host immune response are favoured by selection, so are host alleles that reduce parasite load. Such evolutionary processes leave their signature on the genes involved. Deciphering modes of selection operating on immune genes might reveal the nature of host-pathogen interactions and factors that govern susceptibility in host populations. Such understanding would have important public health implications.

Methodology/findings

We analyzed polymorphisms in four mosquito immune genes (SP14D1, GNBP, defensin, and gambicin) to decipher selection effects, presumably mediated by pathogens. Using samples of Anopheles arabiensis, An. quadriannulatus and four An. gambiae populations, as well as published sequences from other Culicidae, we cont

SUBMITTER: Lehmann T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2642720 | biostudies-literature | 2009

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature