Integration of the immune memory into the pathogen-driven MHC polymorphism hypothesis.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are critical for vertebrate adaptive immunity, exhibiting high polymorphism.
• This genetic diversity is traditionally attributed to pathogen-driven selection on antigen presentation.
• Existing evolutionary theories have not fully integrated the role of immune memory.

Purpose of the Study:

• To argue that the omission of immune memory in MHC evolution theories limits understanding.
• To review evidence from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic regarding MHC's role in immune memory.
• To discuss the implications of incorporating immune memory into MHC polymorphism theories.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on MHC, immune memory, and pathogen-driven selection.
• Analysis of recent findings from SARS-CoV-2 research.
• Theoretical discussion on evolutionary models of MHC polymorphism.

Main Results:

• Recent evidence highlights MHC's significant role in shaping immune memory.
• Integrating immune memory into MHC evolution models offers new insights.
• Neglecting immune memory complicates the interpretation of empirical data.

Conclusions:

• The evolution of MHC polymorphism requires consideration of immune memory formation.
• Future studies on pathogen-driven MHC selection should account for infection history.
• A comprehensive understanding of MHC's role in health and disease necessitates including immune memory.