Have an Autoimmune Disease? Blame the Black Death

The video explores how historical plagues, particularly the Black Death, have influenced human genetics. It discusses the concept of antagonistic pleiotropy, where genetic variants that once provided protection against infectious diseases now increase susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. The research highlights the evolutionary trade-offs that have occurred over thousands of years, as humans adapted to changing environments and disease pressures. The study of genetic variants like ERAP 2 reveals how these adaptations have shaped our immune responses, offering insights into the complex interplay between genetics and disease.

What historical event is linked to the emergence of gene variants that may now contribute to autoimmune diseases?

• The Age of Enlightenment

• The Black Death

• The Industrial Revolution

• The Renaissance

What was the primary method used by researchers to study the genetic impact of the Black Death?

• Conducting surveys

• Analyzing historical texts

• Grave sampling from historical cemeteries

• DNA sequencing of modern populations

Which gene variant was identified as having a protective effect during the Black Death?

• APOE

• ERAP 2

• TP53

• BRCA1

What is a potential downside of the ERAP 2 gene variant that provided protection against the plague?

• Increased risk of heart disease

• Increased risk of autoimmune diseases

• Decreased cognitive function

• Decreased lifespan

What is the term for a gene having multiple effects that may be at odds with each other?

• Antagonistic pleiotropy

• Natural selection

• Gene flow

• Genetic drift

How did the researchers determine the historical timeline for the emergence of protective genetic variants?

• By analyzing ancient artifacts

• By studying 10,000 years of genomic data

• By examining climate change records

• By interviewing historians

What societal changes during the Bronze Age contributed to the selection of infectious disease protective traits?

• Development of agriculture

• Increased urbanization and livestock raising

• Invention of the wheel

• Discovery of fire