Modeling of HLA-peptide bonds, forming the two wings of a bird in flight.
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Do populations in different geographic regions have the same potential to defend themselves against pathogens, and more particularly against viruses? Analyzing human genomes, in particular at the level of the HLA genes responsible for the so-called adaptive immune system, makes it possible to provide elements of a response. These genes, which exhibit a very great variability between individuals, code for molecules capable of recognizing the different viruses in order to trigger the appropriate immune response.
The group ofAlicia Sanchez-Mazas, in collaboration with the University of Cambridge (United Kingdom), identified the HLA variants that bind most effectively to families of viruses. Their study demonstrates that, despite the great heterogeneity of HLA variants in individuals, all populations benefit from an equivalent potential in protection against viruses.
This article was published in the journal Molecular Biology and Evolution December 15, 2020.
Press release of UNIGE.
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