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Genetics

Genes are the blueprint for determining the architectural structure of the innate immune response. 

A healthy innate immune response depends on the genes that encode the proteins that initiate, carry out, and regulate this response.  We know that different people exhibit variation in these genes. Such variation can lead to differential outcomes in the immune response and the development of autoimmunity between individuals. Moreover, certain autoimmune diseases, like lupus and multiple sclerosis, have small genetic components that increase the risk of certain individuals to contract these conditions. 

CIIID researchers are actively investigating the genetics of innate immunity with a goal of understanding the genes and genetic interactions that determine a healthy innate immune response.  The Center is also focused on understanding the genetic variation in the innate immune response genes between individuals and in actively identifying genetic risk factors that may contribute to the underlying causes of immune disease. These Center-supported studies allow CIIID investigators and their partners to tailor new innate immune therapies to an individual’s unique genetic profile.