Ancient Denisovan DNA still shapes human immunity today

Article excerpt

Denisovans, an extinct human species, left their mark on modern immunity genes across Pacific populations. Researchers analyzing genomes from Near Oceanians discovered that ancestors interbred with at least three distinct Denisovan groups thousands of years ago. Those ancient encounters deposited genetic variants that remain functionally active in contemporary humans, shaping how their immune systems respond to pathogens today. The findings reveal an unexpectedly complex pattern of cross-breeding between early human populations in the Pacific region.