Major histocompatibility complex-associated odour preferences and human mate choice: near and far horizons.

ABSTRACT: The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a core part of the adaptive immune system. As in other vertebrate taxa, it may also affect human chemical communication via odour-based mate preferences, with greater attraction towards MHC-dissimilar partners. However, despite some well-known findings, the available evidence is equivocal and made complicated by varied approaches to quantifying human mate choice. To address this, we here conduct comprehensive meta-analyses focusing on studies assessing: (i) genomic mate selection, (ii) relationship satisfaction, (iii) odour preference, and (iv) all studies combined. Analysis of genomic studies reveals no association between MHC-dissimilarity and mate choice in actual couples; however, MHC effects appear to be independent of the genomic backgrou

SUBMITTER: Havlicek J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7209936 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature