Immunogenetic diversity and haemosporidian parasitization in European bluethroats (Luscinia svecica): do diverse genes warrant fewer parasites?

The bluethroat (Luscinia svecica), has been extensively studied for its haemosporidian parasite diversity across Europe showing a high diversity and prevalence rate. Given possible evolutionary pressure exerted by these pathogens, the present study used high-throughput amplicon sequencing to explore the genetic diversity and selection mechanisms of three immunity genes (MHC I exon 3, TLR3 and TLR4) in three European bluethroat populations.

Specifically, we seek to (1) characterize the genetic diversity of these immunity genes, (2) detect selection signatures shaping their diversity, and (3) investigate the relationship between these immunity genes and haemosporidian parasites (Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon). Selection analysis was conducted using FUBAR and SLAC methods, whereas GLM regression was employed to explore the correlation between MHC genes and haemosporidian parasites.