Seahorse Pregnancies Could Help us Treat HIV

The video explores male pregnancy in fish, particularly in the Syngnathidae family, where males carry and give birth to young. It highlights the immune challenges during pregnancy, focusing on the role of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in adaptive immunity. Seahorses and pipefish have adapted by eliminating MHC II genes, a surprising discovery given their environment. This adaptation could provide insights into human immune system flexibility and potential treatments for diseases like HIV and autoimmune conditions.

What is the significance of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in the immune system?

How might studying seahorses contribute to advancements in treating human diseases?