@article{0a0d02f5671b497288806e851caf4994,
title = "What is the role of the immune system in determining individually distinct body odours?",
author = "Brown, {Richard E.}",
note = "Funding Information: The body odours of mammals provide information about their individual identity as well as their species, sex, dominance status and sexual readiness. Individually unique body odours are determined by differences at the MHC and other genes, by the commensal bacteria and by the diet of an animal. Hypothetical mechanisms are suggested for the interaction of the immune system, commensal bacteria and early diet in the development of the individual odour of rodents, and the changes in body odour which occur in sick and infected animals are discussed. Diseases bourne by exogenous bacteria may also alter the body odour of mammals and reduce their attractiveness to potential mates. Thus the role of the immune system may be to ensure a {"}healthy{"} body odour by eliminating parasites, bacteria and viruses which would alter the animal's olfactory signature. Body odour may thus be used for sexual selection, with animals choosing the most healthy mates. Acknowledgement -- This research was supported by NSERC of Canada grant A7441.",
year = "1995",
month = aug,
doi = "10.1016/0192-0561(95)00052-4",
language = "English",
volume = "17",
pages = "655--661",
journal = "International Journal of Immunopharmacology",
issn = "0192-0561",
publisher = "Elsevier",
number = "8",
}