How Past Pandemics Shaped the Evolution of Human Immunity – Lessons from Ancient
Genomes

Eduardo Amorim

Cal State Northridge

Pathogen exposure has played a pivotal role in shaping human evolution. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) reveal that the genetic predisposition to infections arises from the contribution of thousands of loci across the genome, indicating a polygenic mode of inheritance. At California State University Northridge, our research lab utilizes ancient DNA (aDNA) data to investigate the evolution of polygenic traits in humans, focusing on phenotypes related to immunity and adaptation to extreme environmental conditions. In this presentation, I will explore how past epidemics shaped the genetic makeup of our ancestors, impacting various biological pathways relevant to human health. While addressing the limitations of our methods, I will emphasize the growing potential of paleogenomics, employing time-series genetic data built with aDNA to enhance our understanding of human adaptation and the evolution of polygenic traits. The talk will conclude with a brief overview of other ongoing projects in our lab, including the study of high-altitude adaptation and the coevolution of the human host and the oral microbiome.