Scientists have speculated that cross-species breeding between Homo sapiens and our Neanderthal cousins in Europe, have led to our species acquiring three genes that boost our immune competence (http://www.theguardian.com/science/neanderthals). The down side of this 'gift' may be that it causes our rejection systems to be somewhat over-active, increasing the probability of developing autoimmune diseases and allergies to items such as pollen (i.e. Hayfever).
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