Polymorphisms of the immune response genes: selected biological, methodical and medical aspects.
BACKGROUND
Variants of the immune response genes (IRG) are considered a potential source of interindividual differences in both innate and adaptive immune responses. A large number of gene polymorphisms have been reported as alternative forms of the IRG nucleotide sequence with important functional consequences for the structure/expression of immune response molecules. Accordingly, IRG polymorphisms are considered responsible for various monogenic diseases. They may also affect individual predisposition to complex diseases or modify their clinical course.


RESULTS
In this review we define IRG polymorphism including its potential functionality. Common approaches used for the investigation of IRG polymorphisms are next briefly described. We then review current approaches (including genome-wide studies) for assessing the importance of particular IRG variants in the susceptibility to and clinical course of complex diseases. Finally, based on our own experience and on the literature, we illustrate current knowledge of the genetic component of two selected complex diseases (sarcoidosis and coronary artery disease).


CONCLUSIONS
Despite major advances in genotyping technology and general knowledge of the implications of IRG in the susceptibility to complex diseases, the potential clinical application of these approaches still faces major challenges.
Kubistova
Zuzana
Z
Laboratory of Immunogenomics and Immunoproteomics, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicide and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
Mrazek
Frantisek
F
Petrek
Martin
M
D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000235:genetics; D005802:Genes, MHC Class II / Q000235:genetics*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D055106:Genome-Wide Association Study; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000235:genetics; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D020080:Tandem Repeat Sequences