GENETIC-CONTROL OF INTERLEUKIN-12 RESPONSIVENESS - IMPLICATIONS FOR DISEASE PATHOGENESIS

We examined the effect of genetic background on Th1/Th2 development. W e discuss data demonstrating that genetic background is an important d eterminant of interleukin-12 (IL-12) responsiveness and the potential implications for disease progression in murine experimental leishmania sis. Genetic analysis of the differential control of IL-12 responsiven ess led to the identification of a controlling locus on the middle por tion of murine chromosome 11. This genetic region (or its human counte rpart, 5q31) has been associated with increased disease susceptibiliti es for several atopic, infectious, and autoimmune disorders. We discus s potential roles for genetic control of IL-12 responsiveness in the d evelopment of these diseases.