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Article
Genetic Control of Immune Responsiveness: A Review of Its use as a Tool for Selection for Disease Resistance
Journal of Animal Science
  • C. M. Warner, Iowa State University
  • David Lynn Meeker, Iowa State University
  • Max F. Rothschild, Iowa State University
Document Type
Article
Publication Version
Published Version
Publication Date
1-1-1987
DOI
10.2134/jas1987.642394x
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.

Comments

This is an article from Journal of Animal Science 64 (1987): 394, doi:10.2134/jas1987.642394x. Posted with permission.

Copyright Owner
American Society of Animal Science
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Citation Information
C. M. Warner, David Lynn Meeker and Max F. Rothschild. "Genetic Control of Immune Responsiveness: A Review of Its use as a Tool for Selection for Disease Resistance" Journal of Animal Science Vol. 64 Iss. 2 (1987) p. 394 - 406
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/max-rothschild/51/