GWAS of self-reported mosquito bite size, itch intensity and attractiveness to mosquitoes implicates immune-related predisposition loci.
Hum Mol Genet
; 26(7): 1391-1406, 2017 04 01.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-28199695
ABSTRACT
Understanding the interaction between humans and mosquitoes is a critical area of study due to the phenomenal burdens on public health from mosquito-transmitted diseases. In this study, we conducted the first genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of self-reported mosquito bite reaction size (n = 84,724), itchiness caused by bites (n = 69,057), and perceived attractiveness to mosquitoes (n = 16,576). In total, 15 independent significant (P < 5×10-8) associations were identified. These loci were enriched for immunity-related genes that are involved in multiple cytokine signalling pathways. We also detected suggestive enrichment of these loci in enhancer regions that are active in stimulated T-cells, as well as within loci previously identified as controlling central memory T-cell levels. Egger regression analysis between the traits suggests that perception of itchiness and attractiveness to mosquitoes is driven, at least in part, by the genetic determinants of bite reaction size.Our findings illustrate the complex genetic and immunological landscapes underpinning human interactions with mosquitoes.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Pruritus
/
Genetic Predisposition to Disease
/
Genome-Wide Association Study
/
Insect Bites and Stings
Type of study:
Prognostic_studies
Limits:
Animals
/
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Hum Mol Genet
Journal subject:
BIOLOGIA MOLECULAR
/
GENETICA MEDICA
Year:
2017
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United kingdom