Abstract

MATTA CAMACHO, NUBIA ESTELA. Immune System and Genetics:: A Different Approach to the Diversity of Antibodies. Acta biol.Colomb. [online]. 2011, vol.16, n.3, pp.177-188. ISSN 0120-548X.

It is common to find in immunology or genetic books a chapter entitled -immune system and genetics-; this association focuses on how the generation of antibodies broke the paradigm -one gene, one protein-, since in this case one gene generates millions of proteins. However, the immune system has many more links to genetics and heredity. For example, any substance or compound produced by an organism can be a potential antigen, when it is recognized as foreign by the immune system of another organism, belonging to the same or different species. The proteins, which are potentially antigenic are encoded by the individual s genotype. The ability of the immune system to respond to antigenic proteins, as well as the type and intensity of that response, are also correlated with the organism s genotype. In addition, deficiencies in the immune response may be associated with mutations or genetic polymorphisms, which result in susceptibility to infectious diseases.

Keywords : HLA; immune response; blood groups; antigens.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )