Genome-wide genetic investigation of serological measures of common infections

摘要: Populations and individuals differ in susceptibility to infections because of a number factors, including host genetic variation. We previously demonstrated that differences antibody titer, which reflect infection history, are significantly heritable. Here we attempt identify the factors influencing variation these serological phenotypes. Blood samples from >1300 Mexican Americans were quantified for IgG level against 12 common infections, selected on basis their reported role cardiovascular disease risk: Chlamydia pneumoniae; Helicobacter pylori; Toxoplasma gondii; cytomegalovirus; herpes simplex I virus; II human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6); 8 (HHV8); varicella zoster hepatitis A virus (HAV); influenza B virus. Pathogen-specific quantitative levels analyzed, as three measures pathogen burden. Genome-wide linkage joint association analyses performed using ~1 million SNPs. Significant (lod scores >3.0) was obtained HHV6 (on chromosome 7), HHV8 6), HAV 13). SNP rs4812712 20 associated with C. pneumoniae (P=5.3 × 10−8). However, no genome-wide significant loci other investigated antibodies. conclude it is possible localize some traits, but further larger-scale investigations will be required elucidate mechanisms contributing levels.