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Identifying susceptibility genes for immunological disorders: patterns, power, and proof.
1Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
Immunological Reviews
|April 21, 2006
Summary
Identifying genetic susceptibility in common immune-mediated diseases is challenging but crucial. Advances in human genetics and genomics promise new discoveries into disease pathogenesis and inherited variations.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Genomics
Background:
- Common immune-mediated diseases have a significant genetic component.
- Identifying specific disease susceptibility genes has proven difficult, with few consistently replicated findings across studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss key concepts in genetic studies: patterns, power, and proof.
- To highlight the importance of these concepts in evaluating the influence of inherited variation on disease.
- To provide insights into the genetic approach for common immune diseases and their pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of established genetic study concepts (patterns, power, proof).
- Discussion of recent advancements in human genetics and genomics.
- Analysis of challenges and successes in identifying disease susceptibility genes.
Main Results:
- Few genetic susceptibility factors for common immune diseases have been consistently replicated.
- Established genetic study principles are essential for robust findings.
- Current technological and methodological progress is overcoming previous limitations.
Conclusions:
- Despite challenges, a genetic approach offers valuable insights into immune-mediated diseases.
- Ongoing developments in human genetics and genomics are expected to accelerate the discovery of disease-related genes.
- Future research holds promise for significant breakthroughs in understanding disease pathogenesis.