Host Genetic Variation Influences Gene Expression Response to Rhinovirus Infection

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005111
• Publication Date: 2015-04-15T18:45:53Z
• Authors: Minal Çalışkan; Samuel W. Baker; Yoav Gilad; Carole Ober
• Keywords: Rhinovirus

Rhinovirus (RV) is the most prevalent human respiratory virus and responsible for at least half of all common colds. RV infections may result in a broad spectrum effects that range from asymptomatic to severe lower illnesses. The basis inter-individual variation response infection not well understood. In this study, we explored whether host genetic associated with gene expression between individuals. To do so, obtained genome-wide genotype data uninfected RV-infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) 98 We mapped local distant differences levels (eQTLs) both cells. focused specifically on eQTLs (reQTLs), namely, associations infection. identified reQTLs 38 genes, including genes known functions viral (UBA7, OAS1, IRF5) have been immune RV-related diseases (e.g., ITGA2, MSR1, GSTM3). putative regulatory regions were enriched binding sites virus-activated STAT2, highlighting role condition-specific transcription factors genotype-by-environment interactions. Overall, suggest loci RV-infection represent promising candidates affecting diseases.