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Evidence for the stress-linked immunocompetence handicap hypothesis in humans

Author

Listed:
  • Markus J. Rantala

    (Section of Ecology, University of Turku)

  • Fhionna R. Moore

    (Evolutionary and Biological Approaches to Behaviour Group, Abertay University, Bell Street, Dundee DD1 1HG, UK.)

  • Ilona Skrinda

    (Institute of Systematic Biology, University of Daugavpils)

  • Tatjana Krama

    (Institute of Systematic Biology, University of Daugavpils)

  • Inese Kivleniece

    (Institute of Systematic Biology, University of Daugavpils)

  • Sanita Kecko

    (Institute of Systematic Biology, University of Daugavpils)

  • Indrikis Krams

    (Section of Ecology, University of Turku
    Institute of Systematic Biology, University of Daugavpils
    Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu)

Abstract

Secondary sexual traits that develop under the action of testosterone, such as masculine human male facial characteristics, have been proposed to signal the strength of the immune system due to the sex hormone's immunosuppressive action. Recent work has suggested that glucocorticoid stress hormones may also influence expression of such sexual signals due to their effects on immune function. Precise roles, however, remain unclear. Here we show positive relationships between testosterone, facial attractiveness and immune function (antibody response to a hepatitis B vaccine) in human males, and present some preliminary evidence that these relationships are moderated by naturally co-occurring cortisol (a glucocorticoid stress hormone involved in the fight-or-flight response). We conclude that our results provide support for a role of glucocorticoids in hormonally mediated sexual selection.

Suggested Citation

  • Markus J. Rantala & Fhionna R. Moore & Ilona Skrinda & Tatjana Krama & Inese Kivleniece & Sanita Kecko & Indrikis Krams, 2012. "Evidence for the stress-linked immunocompetence handicap hypothesis in humans," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 3(1), pages 1-5, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:3:y:2012:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms1696
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms1696
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