Theodosius Dobzhansky's statement that nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution, also applies to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). This book presents up-to-date, state-of-the-art reviews on diverse topics pertinent to MHC evolution, including the organization of the MHC in humans and other model vertebrates, the nature and origin of MHC polymorphism, MHC-parasite co-evolution, and the origin of the adaptive immune system. The book will be of interest not only for immunologists, geneticists, and evolutionary biologists, but also for other specialists who want...

Every biological system is the outcome of evolution and has a history all its own. This history dictates how the system works and why it has certain properties and not others. This is why we need to study not only the structure and function, but also the history of the system. This argument undoubtedly applies to the study of the immune system and also to the study of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Since 1989, researchers of various scientific disciplines who share a deep inter est in MHC evolution have held a meeting every two years to discuss their latest research developments,...