Genetic Mutation of CCR5 Gene Could Save Your Life

Scientists have been studying the possibility that a genetic mutation perpetuated by the organism responsible for bubonic plague, or Black Death, in the Middle Ages, might give people now, who have the mutation, increased resistance to HIV.  Everyone didn't die from bubonic plague.  Those that survived, in fact did not get the deadly disease, probably had the genetic mutation of the CCR5 gene.  This is currently what scientists think.

I was at a class called "Medical School" that I take through Brandeis.  We were talking about influenza, and that it can be deadly, especially in older people.  One student said she had never gotten influenza in all her 85 years.  The professor told us that some people are protected against influenza with a genetic marker mutation, just as some are protected against HIV by CCR5 marker.  I was surprised, and even more surprised to learn that descendants of those that survived bubonic plague were the ones protected against HIV.

Scientists are looking at the possibility of using gene therapy in treating HIV.  At this time the cost is astronomical, but there is hope that gene therapy could be used in the future.  It's complicated, but if you research Wikileaks on the subject of CCR5 genes you can find out much, much more.  When I first heard this information I was surprised.  I had never heard of people actually immune to HIV because of a gene mutation.  Protection from influenza also seems to take place with certain mutations.  There is so much more to learn about our genetic makeup.  Study of the subject is in its infancy, and I can't wait to see what more we find out.  For now, I thought I'd share this small bit of information about genes and gene mutation with you.