Minireview
Parasite immunomodulation and polymorphisms of the immune system
Author affiliations
Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, and Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3JT, UK
Citation and License
Journal of Biology 2009, 8:62 doi:10.1186/jbiol166
Published: 5 August 2009Abstract
Parasites are accomplished evaders of host immunity. Their evasion strategies have shaped every facet of the immune system, driving diversity within gene families and immune gene polymorphisms within populations. New studies published recently in BMC Biology and Journal of Experimental Medicine document parasite-associated immunosuppression in natural populations and suggest that host genetic variants favoring resistance to parasites may be detrimental in the absence of infection.
