title: Do infectious diseases drive MHC diversity?
abstract: The primary function of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is to allow the immune system to identify infectious pathogens and eliminate them. Infectious diseases are now thought to be the main selection force that drives and maintains the extraordinary diversity of the MHC.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, Imperial College School of Medicine at St Mary's, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK.
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Jeffery
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Bangham
mesh_terms: D000483:Alleles; D000818:Animals; D005805:Genes, MHC Class I; D005802:Genes, MHC Class II; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006579:Heterozygote; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007239:Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012641:Selection, Genetic