Publication
Title
Unraveling the immune signature of herpes zoster : insights into the pathophysiology and human leukocyte antigen risk profile
Author
Abstract
The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infects >95% of the population. VZV reactivation causes herpes zoster (HZ), known as shingles, primarily affecting the elderly and individuals who are immunocompromised. However, HZ can occur in otherwise healthy individuals. We analyzed the immune signature and risk profile in patients with HZ using a genome-wide association study across different UK Biobank HZ cohorts. Additionally, we conducted one of the largest HZ human leukocyte antigen association studies to date, coupled with transcriptomic analysis of pathways underlying HZ susceptibility. Our findings highlight the significance of the major histocompatibility complex locus for HZ development, identifying 5 protective and 4 risk human leukocyte antigen alleles. This demonstrates that HZ susceptibility is largely governed by variations in the major histocompatibility complex. Furthermore, functional analyses revealed the upregulation of type I interferon and adaptive immune responses. These findings provide fresh molecular insights into the pathophysiology and activation of innate and adaptive immune responses triggered by symptomatic VZV reactivation.
Language
English
Source (journal)
The journal of infectious diseases. - Chicago, Ill.
Publication
Chicago, Ill. : 2024
ISSN
0022-1899
DOI
10.1093/INFDIS/JIAD609
Volume/pages
(2024)
Article Reference
jiad609
Pubmed ID
38195164
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Record
Identifier
Creation 13.03.2024
Last edited 10.07.2024
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