Published in Nature · View the paper (DOI)
Researchers analyzed DNA from victims and survivors of the Black Death to identify genetic differences that determined who lived and died. The study found four genes involved in immune defense against pathogens, with versions of these genes linked to increased susceptibility to autoimmune diseases.
Coverage from 3 institutions
- The Black Death shaped the evolution of immunity genes, setting the course for how we respond to disease today, researchers find McMaster University · Oct 19, 2022 · first to report
- Selection of human immune-related genes was driven by the Black Death University of Chicago Medical Center · Oct 19, 2022
- Researchers determine genetic variants offered protection during Black Death, associated with current autoimmune disorders Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · Dec 8, 2022