Impact of Host Genetics on Susceptibility and Outcome of Viral Infections

Choi, Eun Hwa

Abstract

The generation of a draft sequence of the human genome has lead to an opportunity to characterize human diversity, including the differences in host response to numerous pathogens. Host responses upon exposure to a pathogen can determine the wide spectrum of illness from subclinical or mild to severe diseases. Host factors, particularly genetic backgrounds, influence the pathogenesis of infectious diseases. Both epidemiological and experimental studies have suggested that there is a genetic component that contributes to susceptibility and possibly outcomes of infectious diseases caused by multiple different pathogens. Studies in identifying the relationship between infections and polymorphisms have focused on human leukocyte antigen, cytokines, other immune response, or pathogen receptor genes. Genetic studies in infectious diseases have been challenging because of the complex interaction between the human host and pathogens, which also have their own genome. However, the new tools of bioinformatics and high throughput genotyping platforms had offered the better prospects for dissecting the genetics of both susceptibility and outcome. This review summarized recent knowledge in understanding the role of host genetics on three major viral infections; human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, and respiratory syncytial virus. Rapid advances in the identification of susceptibility (or resistance) genes will provide new insights into therapeutic strategies including pharmacological intervention and vaccine development.