title: Influence of HLA on human partnership and sexual satisfaction.
abstract: The major histocompatibility complex (MHC, called HLA in humans) is an important genetic component of the immune system. Fish, birds and mammals prefer mates with different genetic MHC code compared to their own, which they determine using olfactory cues. This preference increases the chances of high MHC variety in the offspring, leading to enhanced resilience against a variety of pathogens. Humans are also able to discriminate HLA related olfactory stimuli, however, it is debated whether this mechanism is of behavioural relevance. We show on a large sample (N = 508), with high-resolution typing of HLA class I/II, that HLA dissimilarity correlates with partnership, sexuality and enhances the desire to procreate. We conclude that HLA mediates mate behaviour in humans.
authors: Smell &Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Kromer
authors: Smell &Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Hummel
authors: Smell &Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Pietrowski
authors: DKMS German Bone Marrow Donor Center, Kressbach 1, 72072 Tübingen, Germany.
authors: A S
authors: AS
authors: Giani
authors: DKMS German Bone Marrow Donor Center, Kressbach 1, 72072 Tübingen, Germany.
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Sauter
authors: Department of Internal Medicine, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Ehninger
authors: DKMS German Bone Marrow Donor Center, Kressbach 1, 72072 Tübingen, Germany.
authors: A H
authors: AH
authors: Schmidt
authors: Smell &Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.|Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
authors: I
authors: I
authors: Croy
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D006650:Histocompatibility Testing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055696:Olfactory Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D043762:Reproductive Behavior / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D012903:Smell / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D006680:HLA Antigens