Host genetic ancestry and immunity to pathogens

Abstract

Recent studies have reported increased susceptibility to or reduced severity of viral and bacterial infections between distinct ancestral populations. In this review, we will outline the current state of knowledge regarding the interplay between genetic ancestry and the immune response to pathogens. We will concentrate on the ancestry-associated drivers of these immunological variations through the lens of different viral and bacterial infections in humans. Understanding how different ancestral backgrounds influence the immune response to pathogens can reveal previously unrecognized mechanisms of disease susceptibility and resistance. This knowledge can inform the development of targeted and effective strategies for disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as personalized medicine approaches.

Keywords: genetic ancestry; immune response; infectious diseases.