Why is CCR5-Δ32 common only in Europe?

CCR5-Δ32 likely rose under strong selection and spread fast by long-range dispersal; its range is limited more by time than by southern selection barriers.

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What allele was modeled?

The CCR5 Δ32 HIV-resistance allele.

Source: The geographic spread of the CCR5 Delta32 HIV-resistance allele · DOI · quote verified

Why is Δ32 geographically restricted?

Limited time to disperse rather than local selection pressures alone.

Source: The geographic spread of the CCR5 Delta32 HIV-resistance allele · DOI · quote verified

How did it attain its current range?

Rapidly via long-range dispersal and intense selection.

Source: The geographic spread of the CCR5 Delta32 HIV-resistance allele · DOI · quote verified

How strong must selection be?

s ≥ 0.1 to reconcile spatial model with allele age.

Source: The geographic spread of the CCR5 Delta32 HIV-resistance allele · DOI · quote verified

Where might the mutation have originated?

Outside northern Europe, with modest selection gradients.

Source: The geographic spread of the CCR5 Delta32 HIV-resistance allele · DOI · quote verified

Where does allele frequency peak?

Northeastern Europe / Baltic region.

Source: The geographic spread of the CCR5 Delta32 HIV-resistance allele · DOI · quote verified

What frequency pattern is described?

A north–south cline across Europe.

Source: The geographic spread of the CCR5 Delta32 HIV-resistance allele · DOI · quote verified

Which historical diseases were discussed as selective agents?

Bubonic plague proposed; smallpox argued more plausible later.

Source: The geographic spread of the CCR5 Delta32 HIV-resistance allele · DOI · quote verified

What modeling framework was adapted?

Fisher’s deterministic wave-of-advance model.

Source: The geographic spread of the CCR5 Delta32 HIV-resistance allele · DOI · quote verified

Teaching point?

Strong selection plus dispersal can rapidly reshape allele geography.

Source: The geographic spread of the CCR5 Delta32 HIV-resistance allele · DOI · quote verified

Where else is Δ32 found besides Europe?

West Asian and North African populations as well.

Source: The geographic spread of the CCR5 Delta32 HIV-resistance allele · DOI · quote verified