How can the MHC mediate social odor via the microbiota community? A deep dive into mechanisms

Abstract Genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) have long been linked to odor signaling and recently researchers’ attention has focused on MHC structuring microbial communities how this may in turn impact odor. However, understanding mechanisms through which could affect microbiota produce a chemical signal that is both reliable strong enough ensure unambiguous transmission behaviorally important information remains poor. This largely because empirical studies are rare, predictions unclear, underlying immunological governing MHC–microbiota interactions often neglected. Here, we review processes involving class II (MHC-II) commensal community. Focusing medical research, provide background knowledge for nonimmunologists by describing key players within vertebrate immune system relating MHC-II molecules (which present extracellular-derived peptides, thus interact with extracellular microbes). We then systematically literature investigating MHC–odor–microbiota animals identify areas future research. These insights will help design able explore role behavior wild populations their natural environment consequently propel research area forward.