Evidence for the stress-linked immunocompetence handicap hypothesis in humans

Markus J. Rantala, Fhionna R. Moore (), Ilona Skrinda, Tatjana Krama, Inese Kivleniece, Sanita Kecko and Indrikis Krams
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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

Nature Communications, 2012, vol. 3, issue 1, 1-5

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2012
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms1696

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