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Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are encoded by one of the most polymorphic families in the human genome. KIRs are expressed on natural killer (NK) cells, which have dual roles: (1) in fighting infection and (2) in reproduction, regulating hemochorial placentation. Uniquely among primates, human KIR genes are arranged into two haplotypic combinations: KIR A and KIR B. It has been proposed that KIR A is specialized to fight infection, whilst KIR B evolved to help ensure successful reproduction. Here we demonstrate that a combination of infectious disease selection and reproductive selection can drive the evolution of KIR B-like haplotypes from a KIR A-like founder haplotype. Continued selection to survive and to reproduce maintains a balance between KIR A and KIR B.

Original publication

DOI

10.1007/s00251-016-0935-9

Type

Journal article

Journal

Immunogenetics

Publication Date

11/2016

Volume

68

Pages

755 - 764

Keywords

Human evolution, Infectious disease, Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs), Natural killer cells, Reproduction, Evolution, Molecular, Haplotypes, Humans, Immunoglobulins, Infections, Killer Cells, Natural, Receptors, KIR, Reproduction