This project seeks to uncover genetic mechanisms that explain the complex process leading to infectious diseases following exposure to infectious pathogens. Identifying how resistance to disease is achieved naturally, could lead to new therapeutic targets and approaches to prevent disease in susceptible people. We will analyse the UK Biobank cohort for evidence of infection, either from case records or specific biological investigations; and match this to their genome sequence to look for specific genetic variant indicators of disease progression. In particular, we are keen to look for long term outcomes that are available in this data, such as hepatitis infection and hepatocellular carcinoma.
