Definition of Asthma susceptibility geneAsthma susceptibility gene: One of the genes that predisposes a person to asthma. A new gene family that plays a major role in asthma susceptibility has been identified. This gene family located at chromosome 5q23-35 is called Tim or Tapr. It controls the development of airway hyperreactivity (and the T cell production of interleukin 4 and 13). TIM-1 is also the receptor of the hepatitis A virus. This may explain the fact that hepatitis A virus infection decreases the chance asthma will develop. Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2012 Back to MedTerms online medical dictionary A-Z List Need help identifying pills and medications? |
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