Department of Anthropology, University of Durham, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK.
Proc Biol Sci. 2011 Jan 22;278(1703):274-80. doi: 10.1098/rspb.2010.0571. Epub 2010 Aug 4.
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is an extraordinarily diverse cluster of genes that play a key role in the immune system. MHC gene products are also found in various body secretions, leading to the suggestion that MHC genotypes are linked to unique individual odourtypes that animals use to assess the suitability of other individuals as potential mates or social partners. We investigated the relationship between chemical odour profiles and genotype in a large, naturally reproducing population of mandrills, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and MHC genotyping. Odour profiles were not linked to the possession of particular MHC supertypes. Sex influenced some measures of odour diversity and dominance rank influenced some measures of odour diversity in males, but not in females. Odour similarity was strongly related to similarity at the MHC, and, in some cases, to pedigree relatedness. Our results suggest that odour provides both a cue of individual genetic quality and information against which the receiver can compare its own genotype to assess genetic similarity. These findings provide a potential mechanism underlying mate choice for genetic diversity and MHC similarity as well as kin selection.
主要组织相容性复合体（MHC）是一个极其多样化的基因簇，在免疫系统中发挥着关键作用。MHC 基因产物也存在于各种体液中，这就表明 MHC 基因型与独特的个体气味类型有关，动物可以利用这些气味类型来评估其他个体作为潜在配偶或社交伙伴的适宜性。我们使用气相色谱-质谱联用和 MHC 基因分型技术，在一个大型的、自然繁殖的山魈群体中，调查了化学气味特征与基因型之间的关系。气味特征与特定 MHC 超型的存在无关。性别影响了一些气味多样性的度量，而等级地位影响了雄性的一些气味多样性的度量，但不影响雌性。气味相似性与 MHC 的相似性密切相关，在某些情况下，与谱系亲缘关系相关。我们的研究结果表明，气味不仅提供了个体遗传质量的线索，而且还提供了一个接收者可以用来比较自身基因型以评估遗传相似性的信息。这些发现为配偶选择提供了一个潜在的机制，包括对遗传多样性和 MHC 相似性的选择，以及亲缘选择。
