Australian study uses identical twins to separate genes from life in immunity
Researchers studying 100 twin pairs want to find out if immune response comes from your genes or your environment.
Identical twins Nicole and Amanda Campbell have the same DNA but very different immune responses. Nicole developed Crohn's disease at 11.
Amanda was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 24. Nicole and Amanda are now in remission.
A new Australian study is led by the Snow Centre for Immune Health. It wants to understand why genetically identical people have different responses to infections, vaccines and treatments.
Researchers will look at blood samples from 100 healthy twin pairs. They will study them under lab conditions.
They will watch how their immune cells react. Twin studies let scientists control for genetics.
This narrows focus onto environmental factors like diet, stress, past infections and lifestyle. Professor Jason Tye-Din says this work shows how immune systems divide, survive and die.
This shapes vaccine response and disease risk.
- 100 healthy sets
- Twin pairs studied
- 11 years old
- Nicole's diagnosis age
- 24 years old
- Amanda's diagnosis age
- Professor Jason Tye-Din
- Study director
Why it mattersUnderstanding whether your immune strength is set at birth or shaped by how you live matters. It could change how doctors approach prevention and treatment.
AustraliaAn Australian-led study could improve how Australia's health system treats autoimmune diseases and personalises vaccine responses.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 12 d ago
