Balanced polymorphism selected by genetic versus infectious human disease.
The polymorphisms within the human genome include several functional variants that cause debilitating inherited diseases. An elevated frequency of some of these deleterious mutations can be explained by a beneficial effect that confers a selective advantage owing to disease resistance in carriers of such mutations during an infectious disease outbreak. We here review plausible examples of balanced functional polymorphisms and their roles in the defense against pathogens. The genome organization of the chemokine receptor and HLA gene clusters and their influence on the HIV/AIDS epidemic provides compelling evidence for the interaction of infectious and genetic diseases in recent human history.
Dean
Michael
M
Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, Science Applications International Corporation, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702-1201, USA. dean@ncifcrf.gov
Carrington
Mary
M
O'Brien
Stephen J
SJ
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000235:genetics; D000483:Alleles; D018925:Chemokines / Q000235:genetics; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology*; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000235:genetics; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D015894:Genome, Human; D006579:Heterozygote; D006801:Humans; D008288:Malaria / Q000235:genetics; D008957:Models, Genetic; D010375:Pedigree; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D019707:Receptors, Chemokine / Q000235:genetics
D018925:Chemokines; D019707:Receptors, Chemokine