The Immune Gene Findings

The 2024 study also examined the ancient genomes for evidence of genetic changes in immune-related genes across the contact period — specifically, between the ancient individuals from the pre-contact Chichén Itzá era and modern Maya individuals.

The rationale for this analysis connects to the epidemic history of the Americas after European contact.

Epidemic diseases exert strong selective pressure on human populations.

Individuals who happen to carry genetic variants that provide some protection against specific pathogens survive at higher rates than those who do not.