A person's ability to combat viruses depends largely on their DNA, according to groundbreaking new research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville.
The study was led by Michael Brown, PhD, a professor in UVA's department of medicine. Dr. Brown and his team identified a gene that controls the frequency of a natural virus-killing immune cell and the cell's ability to fight infection. Then, they analyzed the effect of different doses of viral infection on the gene.
The study not only revealed that DNA exerts control over immune cells, but that an individual's genes also control tissue inflammation and body weight following an infection.
"I think this is a really important finding because in addition to its effect on natural killer cells, it controlled the entire organization of the tissue," said Jeffrey Teoh, a graduate student in Dr. Brown's lab. "Modifying the tissue environment will affect where and how many different types of immune cells are able to interact, which could drastically affect the immune response and health of the individual after infection."
Down the road, the findings may help physicians adjust immune cells to boost their ability to attack viruses. The study may also help develop new vaccines, among other benefits.
To learn more about the study, watch UVA's video below: