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Published on: January 12, 2017
Female postmating immune responses, immune system evolution and immunogenic males
Edward H Morrow1, Paolo Innocenti
1Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Center, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden. ted.morrow@ebc.uu.se
Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society
|December 23, 2011
Summary
Male ejaculate proteins, not just pathogens, activate female immune systems. This suggests sexual selection, not just natural selection, drives immune evolution in females.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Immunology
- Reproductive biology
Background:
- Females often show postmating immune activation, previously attributed to embryo antigens or infection risk.
- Existing hypotheses for this immune response lack complete empirical support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of male reproductive peptides in activating female immune systems.
- To investigate sexual selection and conflict as direct drivers of immune system evolution.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and experimental data, particularly from Drosophila melanogaster.
- Analysis of evidence across diverse taxa.
Main Results:
- Male reproductive peptides, evolved for male-male competition, directly activate female immune elements.
- This suggests males can be immunogenic to females.
Conclusions:
- Sexual selection and conflict exert direct pressure on immune system evolution.
- Immune evolution is shaped by sexual selection in addition to natural selection against parasites and pathogens.
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