HLA gene diversity in Papua New Guinea reveals pathogen-driven selection and altitude-correlated immune adaptation
By
Paul J. Norman1,12,13 Send email to [email protected]
Summary
This study analyzes how human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes have evolved in Papua New Guinea populations in response to pathogen-driven selection and demographic events. The research finds that HLA diversity correlates with altitude, and naturally selected variants may confer protection against malaria in lowland regions. The study also examines signatures of Austronesian gene flow and how local adaptation and admixture have shaped the exceptional polymorphism of HLA genes across distinct highland and lowland populations in Papua New Guinea.
Source
bskyHLA gene diversity in Papua New Guinea reveals pathogen-driven selection and altitude-correlated immune adaptationcell.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledPathogen exposure and demographic events, including local adaptation and admixture, have driven and maintained exceptional polymorphism of HLA genes across human populations.
Papua New Guinea has a complex demography, with geographically distinct populations in the highlands and lowlands and exceptional linguistic heterogeneity throughout the island.
We find that HLA diversity correlates with altitude and that naturally selected variants may confer protection against malaria in the lowland region.
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