Major histocompatibility complex selection dynamics in pathogen-infected tungara frog (Physalaemus pustulosus) populations.

ABSTRACT: Pathogen-driven selection can favour major histocompatibility complex (MHC) alleles that confer immunological resistance to specific diseases. However, strong directional selection should deplete genetic variation necessary for robust immune function in the absence of balancing selection or challenges presented by other pathogens. We examined selection dynamics at one MHC class II (MHC-II) locus across Panamanian populations of the túngara frog, Physalaemus pustulosus, infected by the amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). We compared MHC-II diversity in highland túngara frog populations, where amphibian communities have experienced declines owing to Bd, with those in the lowland region that have shown no evidence of decline. Highland region frogs had MHC variants th

SUBMITTER: Kosch TA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5014028 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature