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Chagas disease immunogenetics: elusive markers of disease progression
Yelenca Ortega Zamora1, Leidy Johana Escamilla Rojas1, Elvis Mayron Villa Sandoval1
1School of Medicine, Universidad Antonio Narino, Bogota, Colombia.
Insights
Chagas disease (CD) genetic variants influence clinical outcomes. Immune system gene polymorphisms, especially chemokine receptors like CCR5 and CCR2, are key factors in chronic Chagas heart disease development.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Parasitology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Chagas disease (CD) is a parasitic infection with chronic cardiac and digestive manifestations.
- Approximately 30% of Trypanosoma cruzi infected individuals develop symptomatic CD, while 70% remain asymptomatic.
- Chronic Chagas heart disease (CCHD) is associated with a deregulated immune response, suggesting an immunogenetic basis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and discuss genetic variants of immune system molecules contributing to CD clinical presentation.
- To explore the immunogenetic factors underlying the development of chronic Chagas heart disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of published scientific studies.
- Analysis of genetic variants in immune system molecules.
- Focus on polymorphisms in chemokine receptors.
Main Results:
- Genetic variants in immune system molecules are linked to CD clinical presentation.
- Polymorphisms in chemokine receptors, specifically CCR5 and CCR2, show promising results.
- These genetic factors may influence the development of chronic Chagas heart disease.
Conclusions:
- Immunogenetic factors play a significant role in Chagas disease progression.
- Chemokine receptor polymorphisms, particularly CCR5 and CCR2, are implicated in CCHD.
- Further research into immune-regulating genes is warranted for a comprehensive understanding.
Abstract:
Introduction: Chagas disease (CD) is caused by a parasitic infection. The disease usually occurs after decades of the primary infection and can involve the myocardium or the digestive system. Of note, around 30% of T. cruzi infected patients develop CD while the other 70% may remain asymptomatic for their entire life. CD is usually observed as familial clustered phenomena. Moreover, individuals with chronic Chagas heart disease (CCHD) usually present a strong, deregulated immune response, which strongly suggests an immunogenetic effect.Areas covered: In this article we review and discuss the information currently available from the published scientific literature regarding the genetic variants of molecules of the immune system that contribute to the clinical presentation of the disease.Expert commentary: Of note, the most promissory results are found on the polymorphisms of chemokine receptors, particularly CCR5 and CCR2. Additional investigations are required, particularly with a focus on the genes that regulate the immune system.