Attractive and healthy-looking male faces do not show higher immunoreactivity.

ABSTRACT: Previous research has indicated that facial attractiveness may provide cues to the functioning of the immune system. Mating with individuals who have a more effective immune system could lead to a higher reproductive success. Our main aim was to test a possible association between immunoreactivity (stimulated by vaccination) and perceived facial attractiveness and healthiness. We experimentally activated the immune system of healthy men using vaccination against hepatitis A/B and meningococcus and measured levels of specific antibodies (markers of immune system reactivity) before and 30 days after the vaccination. Further, 1 day before the vaccination, we collected their facial photographs that were judged by females for attractiveness, healthiness, and facial skin patches for healthiness.

SUBMITTER: Patkova Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9626598 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature