Ipr1 gene mediates innate immunity to tuberculosis

Only about one in ten individuals infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis actually develop clinical tuberculosis. Stress, malnutrition, concomitant infections and age all influence susceptibility, but so does genetic host resistance. A gene mediating innate immunity to tuberculosis has now been identified in mice. Expression of the Intracellular pathogen resistance 1 (Ipr1) gene in macrophages limits the multiplication not only of M. tuberculosis but also of Listeria monocytogenes. The closest homologue to Ipr1 protein in humans is the nuclear body protein SP110, so the SP110 gene is a candidate to be tested for a role in tuberculosis susceptibility.