Human genetic basis of interindividual variability in the course of infection

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Human Genetics
• Immunology
• Evolutionary Biology

Background:

• Pathogenesis of infectious diseases remains a central enigma, with only a minority of infected individuals developing severe illness.
• Understanding host-pathogen interactions is crucial for clinical applications like diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, and treatment.
• The co-evolution of eukaryotes with prokaryotes, archaea, and viruses presents complex ecological and evolutionary immunological challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the historical development of the human genetics of infectious diseases from the late 19th to the mid-20th century.
• To establish the foundational knowledge for understanding genetic predispositions to infectious diseases.
• To set the stage for discussing recently identified monogenic forms of infection resistance and susceptibility.

Main Methods:

• Historical review of scientific literature and theories.
• Examination of the evolution of thought regarding infectious disease pathogenesis.
• Focus on the development of the human genetic theory of infectious diseases.

Main Results:

• The pathogenesis of infectious diseases was a key problem identified at the turn of the 20th century.
• The human genetic theory of infectious diseases posits that inborn genetic variants contribute to life-threatening infections.
• This historical review provides essential background for contemporary research in the field.

Conclusions:

• The historical perspective on human genetics and infectious diseases is crucial for understanding current research.
• Inborn genetic variations play a significant role in determining the severity of infectious diseases.
• Further investigation into genetic factors is vital for advancing clinical and biological understanding of infections.