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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
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Immunopeptidomics: Isolation of Mouse and Human MHC Class I- and II-Associated Peptides for Mass Spectrometry Analysis
Published on: October 15, 2021
MHC-assortative facial preferences in humans
S Craig Roberts1, Anthony C Little, L Morris Gosling
1School of Clinical Medical Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 4HH, UK. craig.roberts@liv.ac.uk
Biology Letters
|December 7, 2006
Summary
Women may prefer partners with similar Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes, contrary to expectations of seeking genetic dissimilarity. This study explored facial attractiveness ratings in relation to MHC similarity.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Psychology
- Human Genetics
- Behavioral Ecology
Background:
- Mate selection often favors genetic dissimilarity to prevent inbreeding.
- Facial attractiveness is a significant factor in human mate choice.
- Previous research suggested odor preferences linked to genetic dissimilarity (MHC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between facial attractiveness preferences and genetic dissimilarity.
- To determine if women's ratings of male facial attractiveness correlate with their own Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genotypes.
Main Methods:
- Female volunteers rated the attractiveness of male faces from photographs.
- Facial attractiveness ratings were compared with the women's and men's genotypes at the MHC.
- Statistical analysis examined correlations between MHC similarity and attractiveness scores.
Main Results:
- A non-significant tendency suggested women rated MHC-similar faces as more attractive.
- Male faces were rated as more attractive by women who shared similar MHC genotypes.
- This contrasts with previous findings based on odor preferences.
Conclusions:
- Facial attractiveness preferences may be influenced by cues to self-similar MHC genotypes.
- Findings suggest a potential preference for MHC-similar mates in facial appearance.
- This aligns with broader observations of assortative mating in humans for various traits.
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