Variant Bio Launches New Project to Characterize Global Immune Variation

Stephane Castel
Variant Bio
Published in
2 min readFeb 4, 2025
Figure illustrating the lack of diversity in genomic research around the world. Image courtesy of GWAS Diversity Monitor
Figure illustrating the lack of diversity in genomic research around the world. Image courtesy of GWAS Diversity Monitor

Variant Bio is thrilled to announce the launch of a two-year project, with support from the Gates Foundation, to characterize immune variation around the world. To date, most of what we know about genetic diversity when it comes to immune variation is derived from studies with European-ancestry populations. The lack of understanding of global immune function has profound implications for vaccine and drug development.

For this project, we will leverage Variant Bio’s cutting-edge genomic discovery platform and data generated from our research partnerships around the world alongside publicly available data to create a global map of immune-related genetic variation. In accordance with our data and sample governance principles and commitments, we will ensure that all research aligns with data access terms and informed consent.

This project aims to deepen our understanding of variation in immune-related genes, such as human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles, across diverse populations. These genetic factors can affect disease susceptibility and vaccine efficacy. This is especially relevant for HIV and tuberculosis vaccines, which rely on immune system components, such as T cell responses, that are influenced by variations in HLA alleles. Better data on immune alleles will help create vaccines that are more effective across different populations, potentially increasing vaccine efficacy and reducing the risk of infectious disease in underserved regions. Genetic variation in immune genes also plays a role in diseases such as diabetes, gout, lupus, and inflammatory bowel disease, which impact many of the communities Variant Bio partners with. By focusing on immune variation data among populations typically underrepresented in genomic research, we aim to foster more inclusive and equitable public health initiatives.

In addition, we are committed to ensuring that the global research community has rapid access to findings generated from the collaboration. Making results available for use as a public good aligns with Variant Bio’s model for carrying out ethically-grounded genomic research.

It is a privilege to receive support from one of the most impactful organizations working on issues of global health. Ultimately, through this research we hope to advance understanding of immune function across diverse populations and contribute to making immune-related interventions more effective for people around the world.

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Variant Bio
Variant Bio

Published in Variant Bio

Variant Bio is developing therapies that will improve global health by studying the genes of people who are outliers for medically relevant traits.

Stephane Castel
Stephane Castel

Written by Stephane Castel

Co-Founder and CTO at Variant Bio

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