Genetic Diversity of MHC Class I Genes in the Asiatic Ibex (Capra sibirica) along an Altitudinal Gradient
This study presents the first comprehensive analysis of MHC class I genes in the Asiatic ibex, revealing high genetic polymorphism maintained by long-term balancing selection and demonstrating that altitudinal gradients modulate the strength of positive selection on specific alleles likely through differential pathogen pressures.