Increased reproductive success of MHC class II heterozygous males among free-ranging rhesus macaques

Item Type:	Article
Title:	Increased reproductive success of MHC class II heterozygous males among free-ranging rhesus macaques
Creators Name:	Sauermann, U. and Nuernberg, P. and Bercovitch, F.B. and Berard, J.D. and Trefilov, A. and Widdig, A. and Kessler, M. and Schmidtke, J. and Krawczak, M.
Abstract:	Gene conversion and balancing selection have been invoked to explain the ubiquitous diversity of the antigen-presenting proteins encoded in the vertebrate major histocompatibility complex (MHC). In the present study, direct evidence for over-dominant selection promoting MHC diversity in primates is provided by the observation that, in a large free-ranging population of rhesus macaques, males heterozygous at MHC class II locus Mamu-DQB1 sired significantly more offspring than homozygotes (the male-specific selection coefficient s equals 0.34). This heterozygote advantage appeared to be independent of the actual male Mamu-DQB1 genotype. No similar effect emerged for a captive group of monkeys of similar genetic background but under veterinary care.
Source:	Human Genetics
ISSN:	0340-6717
Publisher:	Springer
Volume:	108
Number:	3
Page Range:	249-254
Date:	7 March 2001
Official Publication:	https://doi.org/10.1007/s004390100485
PubMed:	View item in PubMed

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