Host genetics plays unexpected role in dance with pathogen
Wednesday, February 16, 2011 - 13:31
in Biology & Nature
A new study suggests that differences in the host's genetics can make a big difference in susceptibility bacterial infection. Researchers show that the virulence of a strain of Yersinia pestis, notable for causing bubonic plague, varies drastically among mice strains with different genetic backgrounds. These findings carry major implications for vaccine development.