Antibody genes ‘vary depending on ethnicity’

People's ethnicity could have a greater effect on the genetic characteristics of their antibodies than was previously realised, according to new research.

A team of 14 North American scientists – including five at Canada's Simon Fraser University – have completely sequenced the human genome's complex immunoglobulin heavy-chain locus, a key producer of antibody-encoding genes used to fend off infections.

It was found that the performance and effectiveness of antibody genes against different conditions varies from person to person, particularly among subjects of differing racial backgrounds.

This research could advance understanding of variations among individuals in terms of their ability to fight off viruses such as influenza or HIV.

Researcher Corey Watson said: "These findings could mean that past environmental exposures to certain pathogens caused DNA insertions or deletions in different ethnic groups, which could impact disease risk."

The Simon Fraser University is ranked as one of the top three comprehensive universities in Canada, with campuses in Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey.