February 28, 2017 Credit: Cardiff University <\/p>\n
Researchers at Cardiff University have discovered that genetic variation is the reason why some immune systems overreact to viruses. <\/p>\n
Previous research had already revealed that a gene called Ifitm3 influences how sensitive people are to the influenza virus, with a variant form of the gene making cells more susceptible to viral infection. The new research reveals that Ifitm3 also plays an important role in controlling the extent of the inflammatory response triggered by virus infection. <\/p>\n
The study suggests that individuals with deficiencies in Ifitm3 may have an overactive immune response to viral infection and may therefore be helped by a combination of anti-inflammatory drugs in addition to medicine that directly targets the virus. <\/p>\n
World-wide the frequency of the variant Ifitm3 gene is 1 in 400, although it is much more common in certain ethnicities. <\/p>\n
Dr Ian Humphreys from Cardiff University's School of Medicine said: \"Now we know that genetic make-up influences how the immune system copes with infections, not only by influencing how the body controls an infection but also by controlling how strongly the body's immune system reacts, we can design therapeutic strategies for individuals who are seriously ill with infections, which are tailored to the individual based on their genetic profile.\" <\/p>\n
The data were collected using immune cells from mice with and without the variant form of Ifitm3, to observe how the immune system responds to a virus called cytomegalovirus. The results could also be relevant for other viral infections such as influenza epidemics\/pandemics. <\/p>\n
Explore further: Genetics of flu susceptibility: Researchers find gene that can transform mild influenza to a life-threatening disease <\/p>\n
More information: Maria A. Stacey et al. The antiviral restriction factor IFN-induced transmembrane protein 3 prevents cytokine-driven CMV pathogenesis, Journal of Clinical Investigation (2017). DOI: 10.1172\/JCI84889<\/p>\n
Researchers at Cardiff University have discovered that genetic variation is the reason why some immune systems overreact to viruses. <\/p>\n
Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute (SBP) have identified a new regulator of the innate immune responsethe immediate, natural immune response to foreign invaders. The study, published recently ... <\/p>\n
A new discovery by researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle makes an important step in identifying which specific T cells within the diverse army of a person's immune system are best suited to ... <\/p>\n
As much as we try to avoid it, we are constantly sharing germs with those around us. But even when two people have the same infection, the resulting illnesses can be dramatically differentmild for one person, severe or ... <\/p>\n
Scientists propose in Nature blocking a molecule that drives inflammation and organ damage in Gaucher and maybe other lysosomal storage diseases as a possible treatment with fewer risks and lower costs than current therapies. <\/p>\n
If you've ever wondered how a vaccine given decades ago can still protect against infection, you have your plasma cells to thank. Plasma cells are long-lived B cells that reside in the bone marrow and churn out antibodies ... <\/p>\n
Please sign in to add a comment. Registration is free, and takes less than a minute. Read more <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Read the rest here:<\/p>\n
Genetic variant linked to overactive inflammatory response - Medical Xpress<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" February 28, 2017 Credit: Cardiff University Researchers at Cardiff University have discovered that genetic variation is the reason why some immune systems overreact to viruses. Continue reading