Humoral immunocompetence in relation to condition, size, asymmetry and MHC class II variation in great snipe (Gallinago media) males

• Main Authors: Ekblom, Robert, Hasselquist, Dennis, S{\Ae}Ther, Stein Are, Fiske, Peder, K{\Aa}L{\Aa}S, John Atle, Grahn, Mats, HÖglund, Jacob
• Format: Report
• Language: unknown
• Published: arXiv 2013
• Subjects: Populations and Evolution q-bio.PE; FOS Biological sciences; Gallinago media; great snipe
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.1306.3063; https://arxiv.org/abs/1306.3063

1. In recent years many studies have investigated the relationships between different aspects of the immune system and ecology in various organisms. Yet, it remains unclear why individuals differ in their ability to mount an immune response against various antigens (often referred to as 'immunocompetence'). Different kinds of trade-offs may be involved and costs of mounting the immune response often lead to condition dependent effects. 2. We investigated how variation in condition, morphology and genetic variables influenced the amount of antibodies produced against two novel antigens in a migrating bird, the great snipe (Gallinago media). 3. We found no evidence for condition dependence of the antibody response and no effect of MHC genetics. There was, however, a weak negative correlation between body size and the amount of antibody production, which may indicate a trade-off between growth and immune response in this species.