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A promoter polymorphism in the gene encoding interleukin-12 p40 (IL12B) is associated with mortality from cerebral malaria and with reduced nitric oxide production

Morahan, G., Boutlis, Craig S., Huang, D., Pain, A., Saunders, J., Hobbs, M., Granger, D., Weinberg, J. B., Peshu, N., Mwaikambo, E., Marsh, K., Roberts, D. J. and Anstey, Nicholas M. (2002). A promoter polymorphism in the gene encoding interleukin-12 p40 (IL12B) is associated with mortality from cerebral malaria and with reduced nitric oxide production. Genes and Immunity,3(7):414-418.

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Title A promoter polymorphism in the gene encoding interleukin-12 p40 (IL12B) is associated with mortality from cerebral malaria and with reduced nitric oxide production
Author Morahan, G.
Boutlis, Craig S.
Huang, D.
Pain, A.
Saunders, J.
Hobbs, M.
Granger, D.
Weinberg, J. B.
Peshu, N.
Mwaikambo, E.
Marsh, K.
Roberts, D. J.
Anstey, Nicholas M.
Journal Name Genes and Immunity
Publication Date 2002
Volume Number 3
Issue Number 7
ISSN 1466-4879   (check CDU catalogue open catalogue search in new window)
Start Page 414
End Page 418
Place of Publication London UK
Publisher Nature Publishing Group
HERDC Category C1 - Journal Article (DEST)
Abstract Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is an important regulatory cytokine in infection and immunity. Administration of IL-12 may reduce complications of severe malaria in rodents. Polymorphisms in IL12B, the gene encoding the IL-12 p40 subunit, influence the secretion of IL-12 and susceptibility to Type 1 diabetes. We therefore investigated whether IL12B polymorphisms may affect the outcome of severe malaria. Homozygosity for a polymorphism in the IL12B promoter was associated with increased mortality in Tanzanian children having cerebral malaria but not in Kenyan children with severe malaria. Furthermore, homozygotes for the IL12B promotor polymorphism had decreased production of nitric oxide, which is in part regulated by IL-12 activity. These studies suggest that IL12B polymorphisms, via regulation of IL-12 production, may influence the outcome of malaria infection in at least one African population.
Keywords Genes
Malaria
Mortality
nitric oxide
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/sj.gene.6363909   (check subscription with CDU E-Gateway service for CDU Staff and Students  check subscription with CDU E-Gateway in new window)
 
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