Interaction between infectious diseases and personality traits: ACP1*C as a potential mediator

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary Psychology
• Behavioral Genetics
• Human Health

Background:

• High pathogen prevalence correlates with reduced extraversion (E) and openness to experience (OtE).
• The "behavioral immune system" hypothesis posits these personality traits as defenses against infection.
• Genetic factors may influence the behavioral immune system, similar to the classical immune system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the ACP1*C allele, increased disease susceptibility, and personality traits.
• To test if carriers of the ACP1*C allele exhibit lower levels of extraversion (E) and openness to experience (OtE).

Main Methods:

• Genotyping for ACP1 polymorphism in two distinct human samples (N=153 and N=162).
• Assessment of personality traits using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI).
• Statistical analysis to determine the relationship between ACP1 genotype and personality scores.

Main Results:

• Carriers of the ACP1*C allele demonstrated significantly reduced scores for extraversion (E) across both samples.
• A marginal association was observed between the ACP1*C allele and openness to experience (OtE).

Conclusions:

• The ACP1*C allele, associated with disease vulnerability, may shape behavioral immune defenses.
• This genetic factor appears to influence extraversion levels, potentially as an adaptive response to pathogen prevalence.