Infection Amplifier Genes
Written by WTJ on December 4, 2008 – 11:37 am -
According to University of New South Wales (UNSW) researchers, some people are more likely to suffer severe and prolonged illness due to their gene combinations. The research focused on cytokine (protein hormone messengers of the immune system) genetic variants. The cytokines involved are tumor necrosis factor–α, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and interferon-γ which play an important role in early immune response. The study examined the duration of patients after infected by Epstein-Barr virus, Coxiella burnetii (the causative agent of Q fever), or Ross River virus. People with certain gene combination are more likely to have an intense illness during infection. The study is published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases. It is suggested people with these vulnerable gene combinations will be given vaccination first.
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Tags: Andrew Lloyd, Barbara Cameron, Barbara Piraino, Clinical Infectious Diseases, Coxiella burnetii, cytokine, Denis Wakefield, Dr Ute Vollmer-Conna, Epstein-Barr virus, gene, Ian Hickie, immune system, interferon-γ, interleukin-10, interleukin-6, Q fever, Ross River virus, Tracey Davenport, tumor necrosis factor–α, University of New South Wales, UNSW | 1 Comment »
December 4th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
I love Jhonen Vasquez. Great image to go with the post!