Wondered how some people sport what looks like an invincible immune system, or how there exists THAT population that is resilient to infections? It would turn out that our genes might actually hold the answer. A few recent research studies show interesting ways through which unique genetic variations and ancient DNA can shape our immune responses. Let us get into these findings and see precisely what makes some of us immune superstars.
Introducing CHRFAM7A: The Gene That Boosts Immunity
A team of researchers from the State University of New York at Buffalo has been studying a rather unusual gene called CHRFAM7A, operating in the genomes of about 75 percent of the human population. This gene had appeared evolutionarily after the divergence of humans from their common ancestor with chimpanzees and is responsible for tuning up human immunity. Our work demonstrated that with the evolution of human cells’ cytoskeleton, they gained a brand new function allowing them easier access to fight sources of infection in the body,” says lead author Kinga Szigeti, MD, PhD.
But how does CHRFAM7A work its magic? It alters calcium signaling in the cell, a key communication system that leads to the formation of a stronger cellular structure called lamellipodia. This will harden our cells but also help them go through tissues and travel to the site of infection much better, increasing the effectiveness of our immune system by a significant amount. Such a finding may be a good backdoor into new pharmacological targets that may enable the development of therapies that are much better for many immune-related disorders.
Why Some People Never Get COVID
The next most exciting study is work by a team at Imperial College London that has found out why some people seem to be able to repel the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. According to research published in Nature, an unusual immune response in some people allows them to avoid prolonged SARS-CoV-2 infection. The researchers identified some specialized mucosal immune cells lining the inside of the nose with the help of state-of-the-art single-cell sequencing technology that enables the recognition and neutralization of the virus before it takes hold in the body.
Not only will these findings have an important impact on the development of next-generation interventions for SARS-CoV-2, but they should also be generalizable for other future outbreaks and pandemics,” says Professor Christopher Chiu from Imperial College London. This would explain why some people do not seem to fall ill after being exposed to the virus, because such localized immune response in the nose could be occurring.
Ancient DNA: The Denisovan Legacy
Things get even more interesting when considering the DNA of ancient human species in the story of our immune system. Research has shown that Indigenous Papuans from New Guinea harbor DNA from Denisovans, an extinct human species, and this ancient DNA appears to contribute substantially to their immune response. Says Irene Gallego Romero, a human evolutionary geneticist, some Denisovan mutations have contributed to protecting modern Papuans against viral infections.
Specifically, these Denisovan mutations occur in genomic regions controlling immune genes that are responsive to viral infection. Introducing the Denisovan mutations into cells in the lab, the researchers changed how such cells express immune genes, thus confirming that these ancient genetic fragments are having an impact. As he puts it, “When you think of humans walking around this part of the world 60,000 years ago, one of the biggest challenges is encountering new pathogens that could wipe you out.”
A Genetic Advantage Against COVID-19
Yet another paper in Nature Medicine is about how a particular variant gene could really affect our natural response to COVID-19 vaccines. According to researchers, carriers of the HLA gene version HLA-DQB1*06* mounted a higher antibody response and had a lower risk of COVID-19 infection following vaccination. Professor Julian Knight, working on genomic medicine, said: “Our genetic makeup is one of the reasons why we may differ from each other in our immune response following COVID-19 vaccination.”
The team associated this variant with higher antibody responses to the swine flu jab at all times measured post vaccination, showing our genetic code might be an important factor in how well we respond to vaccines. This finding could have huge implications for the future development of vaccines, so they can be tailored suitably for maximal protection.
Our immune systems are unique genetic variations interacting with ancient DNA. From the CHRFAM7A genes, which enhance our immune response, to Denisovan DNA fighting infections in Papuans, these findings shed much more light on what makes some more resilient to diseases. As researchers uncover further bunkers holding these genetic secrets, we might look forward to a future in which more potent treatments and vaccines could be tailored to improve our genetic potential for better health. So, the next time you marvel at someone’s apparently superhuman immunity, remember: their genes might be their secret weapon.
