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A promoter polymorphism in the gene encoding interleukin-12 p40 (IL12B) is associated with mortality from cerebral malaria and with reduced nitric oxide production.
- Source :
-
Genes and immunity [Genes Immun] 2002 Nov; Vol. 3 (7), pp. 414-8. - Publication Year :
- 2002
-
Abstract
- Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is an important regulatory cytokine in infection and immunity. Administration of IL-12 may reduce complications of severe malaria in rodents. Polymorphisms in IL12B, the gene encoding the IL-12 p40 subunit, influence the secretion of IL-12 and susceptibility to Type 1 diabetes. We therefore investigated whether IL12B polymorphisms may affect the outcome of severe malaria. Homozygosity for a polymorphism in the IL12B promoter was associated with increased mortality in Tanzanian children having cerebral malaria but not in Kenyan children with severe malaria. Furthermore, homozygotes for the IL12B promotor polymorphism had decreased production of nitric oxide, which is in part regulated by IL-12 activity. These studies suggest that IL12B polymorphisms, via regulation of IL-12 production, may influence the outcome of malaria infection in at least one African population.
- Subjects :
- Animals
Humans
Interleukin-12 Subunit p40
Kenya epidemiology
Malaria, Cerebral genetics
Molecular Sequence Data
Plasmodium immunology
Polymorphism, Genetic
Tanzania epidemiology
Interleukin-12 genetics
Malaria, Cerebral mortality
Nitric Oxide metabolism
Promoter Regions, Genetic
Protein Subunits genetics
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1466-4879
- Volume :
- 3
- Issue :
- 7
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Genes and immunity
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 12424623
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.gene.6363909