HLA and mate selection: no evidence in South Amerindians

Am J Hum Genet. 1997 Sep;61(3):505-11. doi: 10.1086/515519.

Abstract

There have been reports of nonrandom mating (negative-assortative mating) or preference for individuals of different major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genotypes in both mice and humans. We have examined the association of HLA-A and HLA-B genotypes, both for each locus by itself and for two-locus genotypes, in mates of 194 couples from 11 South Amerindian tribes. The proportion of couples sampled averaged >50% of the total matings with progeny for 10 of the tribes. In nearly all cases, HLA-sharing proportions were very close to those expected from random mating, suggesting strong negative-assortative mating for MHC is not present in these South Amerindians.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genotype
  • HLA-A Antigens / genetics*
  • HLA-B Antigens / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Indians, South American*
  • Male
  • Marriage / ethnology*

Substances

  • HLA-A Antigens
  • HLA-B Antigens