PubMed · 10319271
Major histocompatibility complex class I genes in primates: co-evolution with pathogens.
Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is the most polymorphic genetic system known, playing a central role in the cellular immune response to pathogens. The relationship between the MHC of humans and non-human primates has increased our understanding of MHC evolution and how polymorphism of this gene family may have been generated. We will review MHC class I evolution in great apes and Old World and New World primates and discuss new data from the simian immunodeficiency virus/rhesus monkey animal model that demonstrate the role of MHC class I alleles in selecting for new populations of viruses. This suggests that certain pathogens co-evolve with the MHC class I molecules they encounter in a population.
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T U Vogel, D T Evans, J A Urvater, D H O'Connor, A L Hughes, D I Watkins. 1999. Major histocompatibility complex class I genes in primates: co-evolution with pathogens.. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-065x.1999.tb01402.x
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