Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Kromer J
PROVIDER: S-EPMC5006172 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Kromer J J Hummel T T Pietrowski D D Giani A S AS Sauter J J Ehninger G G Schmidt A H AH Croy I I
Scientific reports 20160831
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC, called HLA in humans) is an important genetic component of the immune system. Fish, birds and mammals prefer mates with different genetic MHC code compared to their own, which they determine using olfactory cues. This preference increases the chances of high MHC variety in the offspring, leading to enhanced resilience against a variety of pathogens. Humans are also able to discriminate HLA related olfactory stimuli, however, it is debated whether this m ...[more]