CCR5Δ32 deletion and atopic asthma in India

Abstract

Chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) contributes to the generation of a Th1 immune response by interacting with agonists such as RANTES, MIP-1α , and MIP-1β .1 A 32 base pair deletion (Δ 32) in CCR5 has been proposed to protect individuals against HIV infection and to bias the immune system towards a Th2-driven response, thus affecting the susceptibility to develop allergic diseases such as asthma. In a study in Scottish children, Hall et al reported an association of CCR5Δ 32 with a reduced risk of asthma2 but found