Neanderthal genes gave modern humans an immunity boost, allergies

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-01/cp-ngg123015.php

Public Release: 7-Jan-2016
Neanderthal genes gave modern humans an immunity boost, allergies
Cell Press

When modern humans met Neanderthals in Europe and the two species began interbreeding many thousands of years ago, the exchange left humans with gene variations that have increased the ability of those who carry them to ward off infection. This inheritance from Neanderthals may have also left some people more prone to allergies.

•••••

As surprising as it may seem, it does make a lot of sense, she adds. "Neanderthals, for example, had lived in Europe and Western Asia for around 200,000 years before the arrival of modern humans. They were likely well adapted to the local climate, foods, and pathogens. By interbreeding with these archaic humans, we modern humans gained these advantageous adaptations."