January 2017 PMID 27859823

Patterns of MHC-dependent mate selection in humans and nonhuman primates: a meta-analysis.

J Winternitz, J L Abbate, E Huchard, J Havlíček, L Z Garamszegi

Mentions

18
Peak: 2 in Jun 2020
across 4 sources since Jun 2020

Extended reach

31,286
potential audience

Total likes

1,468

Video views

30,413

Mentions per month

Jun 2020 – Feb 2022

Where it's discussed

  • News9 articles
  • X / Twitter4 posts
  • YouTube3 videos
  • Facebook2 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The overall tone reflects curiosity and support for the research, with examples like a discussion about the biochemical basis for scent detection and references to primate studies. Words such as 'evidence' and phrases like 'develops the Romeo and Juliet problem' emphasize analytical thinking and nuance, indicating high engagement and interest, though the impact remains moderate as the conversations are exploratory rather than definitive.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions support the idea that MHC influences mate selection, with some recognizing the evidence in primates and its potential relevance to humans.

InterestHigh interest

Posts demonstrate high interest, exploring biological mechanisms, implications, and sharing resources like abstracts.

EngagementHigh engagement

The exchanges include references to scientific concepts (e.g., the Romeo and Juliet problem, biochemical pathways) and critical thinking about the data, indicating deep engagement.

ImpactModerate impact

While the discussions are insightful, they are mostly exploratory and theoretical, suggesting moderate perceived impact rather than immediate practical applications.

Abstract in brief

  • Genes in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are crucial for the adaptive immune response in vertebrates and also play a role in sexual selection, with many vertebrates showing a preference for diverse mating partners.
  • Human studies on MHC preference have produced mixed results, leading to questions about the impact of methodology and population characteristics, making it unclear if these discrepancies are genuine or artifacts of study design.
  • Our analysis across different primate species showed a significant preference for MHC-diverse mates in humans, while evidence for selecting dissimilar mates was weaker and possibly influenced by social and cultural factors, suggesting that more controlled studies are needed for accurate insights.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Geoff Smith
@HappyFunNorm · X

@SN81851040 @BadMedicalTakes It seems pretty clear in primates in general. For the counter-claim to hold you'd have to show humans have some different biochemical pathways for mate selection, and I'm just not seeing it anywhere. Humans are basically just smart apes... https://t.co/hBMxNXV8WS

Feb 2, 2021 · 1 like · 199 followers View post →
✨Algorithmically Unbiased✨
@SciencePartisan · X

@C_Kavanagh @GurusPod You can see this in MHC genes, which there’s some evidence can be sensed by others. It develops the Romeo and Juliet problem. people seeking a mate outside their group that sometimes in group pressures can counteract. https://t.co/oYyKYznOMn

Feb 21, 2022 · 639 followers View post →
The Green Hipster
@thegreenhipster · X

@jillahjillah Here’s a link to an abstract regarding the topic. Enjoy! https://t.co/2ZpA32VRWo

Feb 20, 2022 · 31 followers View post →
yosista10
@yosista10 · X

@globalimmuno @immunospeaker Yes! Although I must admit, I’m not sure how to assess the data, because as you said the attraction is likely indirect, and humans don’t have vomeronasal organs so I have no idea how we “smell” HLA... https://t.co/D63MEbyqwC

Apr 1, 2021 · 5 followers View post →

All mentions

✨Algorithmically Unbiased✨
@SciencePartisan · X

@C_Kavanagh @GurusPod You can see this in MHC genes, which there’s some evidence can be sensed by others. It develops the Romeo and Juliet problem. people seeking a mate outside their group that sometimes in group pressures can counteract. https://t.co/oYyKYznOMn

Feb 21, 2022 · 639 followers View post →
The Green Hipster
@thegreenhipster · X

@jillahjillah Here’s a link to an abstract regarding the topic. Enjoy! https://t.co/2ZpA32VRWo

Feb 20, 2022 · 31 followers View post →
yosista10
@yosista10 · X

@globalimmuno @immunospeaker Yes! Although I must admit, I’m not sure how to assess the data, because as you said the attraction is likely indirect, and humans don’t have vomeronasal organs so I have no idea how we “smell” HLA... https://t.co/D63MEbyqwC

Apr 1, 2021 · 5 followers View post →
Geoff Smith
@HappyFunNorm · X

@SN81851040 @BadMedicalTakes It seems pretty clear in primates in general. For the counter-claim to hold you'd have to show humans have some different biochemical pathways for mate selection, and I'm just not seeing it anywhere. Humans are basically just smart apes... https://t.co/hBMxNXV8WS

Feb 2, 2021 · 1 like · 199 followers View post →