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Genetic Control of Immune Responsiveness: A Review of Its use as a Tool for Selection for Disease Resistance¹

Iowa State University, Ames 50011

Abstract

Disease resistance and immune responsiveness have been traits generally ignored by animal breeders. Recent advances in immunology and molecular biology have opened new avenues towards our understanding of genetic control of these traits. The major histocompatibility gene complex (MHC) appears to play a central role in all immune functions and disease resistance. The need to understand the relationship between immune responsiveness, disease resistance and production traits is discussed in this review. Antagonistic relationships might prevent simultaneous improvement of all of these traits by conventional breeding methods. It is suggested that genetic engineering methods may allow the simultaneous improvement of disease resistance and production traits in domestic animals. Genes of the MHC will be especially good candidates for genetic engineering experiments to improve domestic species.

¹ Journal Paper No. J-12189 of the Iowa Agr. and Home Econ. Exp. Sta., Ames. Projects 2594 and 2609. The authors gratefully acknowledge partial financial support from the USDA, the Natl. Pork Producers Council and the NIH.

² Dept. of Biochem. and Biophy.

³ Present address: Natl. Pork Producers Council, Des Moines, IA 50306.

⁴ Dept. of Anim. Sci.

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