Why do immune genes keep evolving across tetrapods?

Shared positive selection in birds and mammals concentrates on immune—especially antiviral—genes, implicating pathogens as a consistent selective pressure.

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What do shared positive-selection signatures match?

Pathogen-mediated selection.

Source: Immune genes are hotspots of shared positive selection across birds and mammals · DOI · quote verified

What selective pressure is most consistent across tetrapods?

Pathogens, particularly viruses.

Source: Immune genes are hotspots of shared positive selection across birds and mammals · DOI · quote verified

What fraction of genes are selected in all tests?

14%.

Source: Immune genes are hotspots of shared positive selection across birds and mammals · DOI · quote verified

Which bird pathways are selection targets?

Immune function, DNA replication/repair, lipid metabolism, phototransduction.

Source: Immune genes are hotspots of shared positive selection across birds and mammals · DOI · quote verified

What are shared bird–mammal selected genes enriched for?

Immune processes, especially viral response.

Source: Immune genes are hotspots of shared positive selection across birds and mammals · DOI · quote verified

How do pathogen transcriptomes validate selection scans?

Pathogen-upregulated genes are enriched for positive selection.

Source: Immune genes are hotspots of shared positive selection across birds and mammals · DOI · quote verified

Are bird-selected genes also selected in mammals?

Yes—they are more likely under selection in mammals.

Source: Immune genes are hotspots of shared positive selection across birds and mammals · DOI · quote verified

What is special about genes selected and DE in both clades?

They are known to interact directly with pathogens.

Source: Immune genes are hotspots of shared positive selection across birds and mammals · DOI · quote verified

How do authors link non-immune pathways to immunity?

Many can be directly or indirectly tied to immune response.

Source: Immune genes are hotspots of shared positive selection across birds and mammals · DOI · quote verified

What evolutionary question remains open?

Whether shared patterns reflect convergence or ancient shared selection.

Source: Immune genes are hotspots of shared positive selection across birds and mammals · DOI · quote verified

What functional class dominates shared hotspots?

Immune system genes.

Source: Immune genes are hotspots of shared positive selection across birds and mammals · DOI · quote verified