A genetic basis for human susceptibility to West Nile virus

Trends Microbiol. 2006 Jul;14(7):287-9. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2006.05.004. Epub 2006 Jun 5.

Abstract

West Nile virus (WNV) infects thousands of humans annually and causes a spectrum of disease ranging from an acute febrile illness to lethal encephalitis. A new study suggests a link between CCR5Delta32 (a common mutant allele of the chemokine and HIV receptor CCR5) and fatal WNV infection. The study highlights a possible risk in targeting this receptor for the prevention and/or treatment of infectious diseases.

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Animals
  • Chemokine CCL5
  • Chemokine CXCL10
  • Chemokines, CC / immunology
  • Chemokines, CXC / immunology
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mutation
  • Receptors, CCR5 / genetics*
  • Receptors, CCR5 / immunology
  • Risk Factors
  • West Nile Fever / epidemiology
  • West Nile Fever / genetics*
  • West Nile Fever / virology
  • West Nile virus / pathogenicity

Substances

  • Ccl5 protein, mouse
  • Chemokine CCL5
  • Chemokine CXCL10
  • Chemokines, CC
  • Chemokines, CXC
  • Cxcl10 protein, mouse
  • Receptors, CCR5