Simultaneous Viral Exposure and Protection from Neanderthal Introgression.

Huerta-Sánchez, Emilia; Casey, Fergal P · Cell · 2018

editorial · Level V

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Abstract

In this issue, Enard and Petrov present intriguing results on the possibility of genetic traces left behind in our genomes from adaptation to past viral epidemics that may have been initiated by interaction with Neanderthal archaic hominins. The work highlights how powerful infectious agents can act as a selective force to shape our genetic makeup.

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