Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of immunity genes has been reported to influence mate choice in vertebrates, and a recent study presented genetic evidence for this effect in humans. Specifically, greater dissimilarity at the MHC locus was reported for European-American mates (parents in HapMap Phase 2 trios) than for non-mates. Here we show that the results depend on a few extreme data points, are not robust to conservative changes in the analysis procedure, and cannot be reproduced in an equivalent but independent set of European-American mates. Although some evidence suggests an avoidance of extreme MHC similarity between mates, rather than a preference for dissimilarity, limited sample sizes preclude a rigorous investigation. In summary, fine-scale molecular-genetic data do not conclusively support the hypothesis that mate selection in humans is influenced by the MHC locus.
Highlights
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) locus contains genes central to acquired immunity, as well as numerous olfactory receptors [1]
There is evidence in numerous species that genes involved in immunity influence mate choice
We conclude that HapMap samples do not conclusively support the hypothesis that MHC genotypes exert an influence on mate choice
Summary
The MHC locus contains genes central to acquired immunity, as well as numerous olfactory receptors [1]. It is reported to influence mate selection in a number of vertebrates, and is thought to act through the sense of smell to favor genetic dissimilarity between parents and heterozygosity in offspring [2]. Evidence for these effects in humans includes the high degree of MHC polymorphism [1], MHC-dependent female sexual interest [3] and preferences for male body odors [4,5,6], and a depletion of matching five-locus HLA haplotypes in Hutterite couples [7]. The relationship of odor preference in these controlled settings to the selection of actual mates in practice is unclear
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