AIDS

AIDS is an infectious disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). For a general discussion, see Wikipedia.

Several variations in immune system-related genes have been linked to AIDS acquisition and disease progression. Two protective SNPs are in the CCR5 gene:

• rs333 (delta32)
• C927T

Compared to individuals without the Delta32 mutation in CCR5, individuals with one or two copies of the rs1799864(A) allele in the CCR2 gene have 58% lower risk of developing AIDS during the first 4 years after testing positive for HIV, 19% lower risk during the subsequent 4 years, and no significant protection thereafter. [PMID 12556692] No protective effect (i.e., no benefit) was seen for this SNP once AIDS had developed. [PMID 11694103]

A recent study [PMID 21051598] has shown that the following four SNPs may protect against AIDS. All are variations in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region.

• rs9264942
• rs4418214
• rs2395029
• rs3131018

For further details about this study, see [1].