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08:38
Using a Bacterial Pathogen to Probe for Cellular and Organismic-level Host Responses
Published on: February 22, 2019
Human genetic susceptibility to intracellular pathogens
Fredrik O Vannberg1, Stephen J Chapman, Adrian V S Hill
1Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
Immunological Reviews
|February 26, 2011
Summary
Host genetics significantly influences susceptibility to intracellular pathogens like tuberculosis and HIV-1. Genome-wide studies reveal common genetic variants impacting immunity and disease progression, offering new insights into infectious disease vulnerability.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Intracellular pathogens cause significant global morbidity and mortality.
- Host genetics explains individual differences in infectious disease susceptibility.
- Monogenic disorders and common variants (e.g., CCR5Δ32) affect susceptibility to pathogens like HIV-1.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of genetic and genomic factors in human susceptibility to intracellular pathogens.
- To highlight insights from recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS).
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on host genetics and intracellular infectious diseases.
- Focus on genome-wide association study approaches.
- Analysis of genetic variants influencing susceptibility to tuberculosis, leprosy, HIV-1, hepatitis, and malaria.
Main Results:
- Common genetic variants play a role in regulating susceptibility to intracellular infections.
- GWAS have identified novel molecular pathways involved in immunity to specific pathogens.
- Genetic factors contribute to variations in disease progression, such as in HIV-1.
Conclusions:
- Host genetic variations are crucial in determining susceptibility and response to intracellular pathogens.
- Genome-wide approaches are powerful tools for discovering new genetic determinants of infectious disease risk.
- Understanding these genetic factors can lead to improved strategies for managing infectious diseases.
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