Negative relationships between cellular immune response, Mhc class II heterozygosity and secondary sexual trait in the montane water vole

0337712 - ÚBO 2011 RIV GB eng J - Journal Article
Charbonnel, N. - Bryja, Josef - Galan, M. - Deter, J. - Tollenaere, C. - Chaval, Y. - Morand, S. - Cosson, J.-F.
Negative relationships between cellular immune response, Mhc class II heterozygosity and secondary sexual trait in the montane water vole.
Evolutionary Applications. Roč. 3, č. 3 (2010), s. 279-290. ISSN 1752-4571. E-ISSN 1752-4571
EU Projects: European Commission(XE) 10284 - EDEN
Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60930519
Keywords : abundance cycles * Dqa and Drb * immunocompetence handicap * Mhc class II genes * parasite-mediated balancing selection * sexual selection
Subject RIV: EB - Genetics ; Molecular Biology
Impact factor: 5.145, year: 2010

Heterogeneities in immune responsiveness may affect key epidemiological parameters and the dynamics of pathogens. We analysed the influence of Major histocompatibility complex (Mhc) genes and epigamic traits on the response to phytohaemagglutinin in males from cyclic populations of the montane water vole (Arvicola scherman). We found a negative relationship between Mhc hetetozygosity and response to phytohaemagglutinin, mediated by a specific Mhc genotype (Arte-Dqa-05 homozygous genotype being a ‘good’ Mhc variant in terms of immunogenetic quality). The development of the scent glands seems to be an honest signal for mate choice as it is negatively correlated with helminth load. The ‘good gene’ hypothesis was not validated as Arte-Dqa-05 homozygous males did not exhibit larger glands. Besides, the negative relationship observed between the size of these glands and the response to phytohaemagglutinin, mainly for Mhc homozygotes, corroborates the immunocompetence handicap hypothesis.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0181645