Genetic estimation of the humoral responses to several infectious agents

Heritabilities of antibody levels to measles, rubella, and mumps were estimated in 88 MZ and DZ twin pairs. The contribution of genetic factors in phenotypic antibody levels to measles was somewhat lower than environmental factors in both sexes (h² = 0.450 and 0.459). A significantly stronger genetic than environmental control of anti-mumps antibody levels was evident in both sexes, but more so in females (h² = 0.882) than in males (h² = 0.626). The genetic determination of anti-rubella antibodies was also significantly higher in girls (h² = 0.833), while environmental determination was greater in boys (h² = 0.350). © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.