Immunogenetics: Open Access
Open Access

Immunogenetics

Immunogenetics or immungenetics is the branch of medical genetics that explores the relationship between the immune system and genetics. Autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, are complex genetic traits which result from defects in the immune system. 

Genetics play a significant role in immunity. Summary: Nearly three-quarters of immune traits are influenced by genes, new research reveals. ... They found that adaptive immune traits -- the more complex responses that develop after exposure to a specific pathogen, such as chickenpox -- are mostly influenced by genetics.Autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, are complex genetic traits which result from defects in the immune system. Identification of genes defining the immune defects may identify new target genes for therapeutic approaches. Alternatively, genetic variations can also help to define the immunological pathway leading to disease.