The genetic composition of present day human populations is determined largely by the interaction between the human host and infective agents. Therefore, theoretical analysis of the host-infective-agent system is required in order for us to be able to understand human evolution. Classical population genetics has been confined largely to analysing the interplay of various mechanisms, such as selection, mutation and drift, in one species at a time. Unfortunately, there have been few studies of such interactive systems. In the present investigation, these studies have been enlarged, with problems of human genetics in mind, by mathematical examination of a model in which a diploid host with three alleles interacts with a haploid infective agent with two alleles. The results are compared with those obtained from simpler models analysed in the past. The assumptions inherent in such “gene for gene” models and our results are discussed. An increase in the number of alleles appears to enhance the chances for the establishment of permanent genetic polymorphisms, improving genetic “elasticity” of a population for coping with changing challenges by various infective agents. Interaction between two haploid species leads to a loss of polymorphism in both of them and, hence, to a severe loss of evolutionary elasticity. The hypothesis that the evolution of diploidy might have been favoured by a selective advantage of diploid organisms interacting with environmental challenges, such as infective agents, is supported.
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Similar content being viewed by others Explore related subjectsDiscover the latest articles and news from researchers in related subjects, suggested using machine learning. Author information Authors and AffiliationsUniversity of Heidelberg, Institute of Human Genetics, Im Neuenheimer Feld 328, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany Fax: 06221 565332 e-mail: christine_fischer@krzmail.krz.uni-heidelberg.de, , , , , , DE
C. Fischer, Brigitte Jock & Friedrich Vogel
Received: 6 October 1997 / Accepted: 26 November 1997
About this article Cite this articleFischer, C., Jock, B. & Vogel, F. Interplay between humans and infective agents: a population genetic study. Hum Genet 102, 415–422 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004390050714
Issue Date: April 1998
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004390050714
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