The genetics of immune and infection phenotypes in wild mice, Mus musculus domesticus

Wild animals are under constant threat from a wide range of micro- and macroparasites in their environment. Animals make immune responses against parasites, and these are important in affecting the dynamics of parasite populations. Individual animals vary in their anti-parasite immune responses. Genetic polymorphism of immune-related loci contributes to inter-individual differences in immune responses, but most of what we know in this regard comes from studies of humans or laboratory animals; there are very few such studies of wild animals naturally infected with parasites. Here we have investigated the effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in immune-related loci (the major histocompatibility complex [MHC], and loci coding for cytokines and Toll-like receptors) on a wide range of immune and infection phenotypes in UK wild house mice, Mus musculus domesticus. We found strong associations between SNPs in various MHC and cytokine-coding loci on both immune measures (antibody concentration and cytokine production) and on infection phenotypes (infection with mites, worms and viruses). Our study provides a comprehensive view of how polymorphism of immune-related loci affects immune and infection phenotypes in naturally infected wild rodent populations.

Automated summary

Wild animals face constant threats from various micro- and macroparasites in their environment. This study explores the impact of genetic polymorphisms in immune-related loci on immune responses and infection outcomes in naturally infected wild house mice. The researchers found significant associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), cytokine-coding loci, and immune measures as well as infection phenotypes. This comprehensive view sheds light on how genetic variation in immune-related loci influences immune and infection phenotypes in wild rodent populations.