Neandertal DNA Raises DNA Virus Loads in 2% of Modern Human Genomes
Updated
Updated · BIOENGINEER.ORG · May 27
Neandertal DNA Raises DNA Virus Loads in 2% of Modern Human Genomes
5 articles · Updated · BIOENGINEER.ORG · May 27
UK Biobank analysis linked Neandertal-derived genetic segments to higher loads of common DNA viruses, including Epstein-Barr virus, HHV-7 and Teno anelloviruses, suggesting weaker immune control in some modern humans.
About 2% of non-African genomes comes from Neandertals, and the study found those archaic variants were disproportionately associated with chronic DNA-virus burden rather than stronger protection.
That contrasts with earlier evidence that some Neandertal alleles helped defend against RNA viruses, pointing to a virus-specific trade-off instead of uniformly beneficial archaic immunity.
Evolutionary analysis also found signs of recent negative selection at some archaic-linked regions, implying variants once adaptive in ancient pathogen environments may now be disadvantageous.
The findings could refine risk assessment for chronic viral infections and broaden how researchers view archaic introgression's role in modern health.
Is the 'gift' of Neandertal immunity actually a double-edged sword for modern human health?
Why does Neandertal DNA help fight the flu but fail against viruses like herpes?