The DNA virome varies with human genes and environments - PubMed
3 hours ago
- #genetics
- #EBV
- #virology
- The study analyzed viral DNA load of 31 common viruses in human blood and saliva using data from UK Biobank, All of Us, and SPARK.
- Viral DNA load varies with age, time of day, season, and is generally higher in men than in women.
- Human genetic variation at dozens of loci is associated with DNA load of seven viruses, including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human herpesvirus (HHV)-7.
- The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) locus showed the strongest associations, specific to each virus.
- The HLA-B*08:01 allele exhibited a host-virus genetic interaction with EBV subtype.
- Other genetic effects implicated genes like ERAP1 and ERAP2, which process peptides for antigen presentation.
- Mendelian randomization supported a causal effect of EBV DNA load on increased risk of Hodgkin's lymphoma, but not multiple sclerosis.