Genetic analysis implicates ERAP1 and HLA as risk factors for severe Puumala virus infection.

ABSTRACT: Puumala virus (PUUV) infections can cause severe illnesses such as Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome in humans. However, human genetic risk factors contributing to disease severity are still poorly understood. Our goal was to elucidate genetic factors contributing to PUUV infections and understand the biological mechanisms underlying individual vulnerability to PUUV infections. Leveraging data from the FinnGen study, we conducted a genome-wide association study on severe Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome caused by PUUV with 2227 cases. We identified associations at the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) locus and ERAP1 with severe PUUV infection. HLA molecules are canonical mediators for immune recognition and response. ERAP1 facilitates immune system recognition and activation by cleav

SUBMITTER: Haapaniemi H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11756300 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature