Human genome-wide association studies have failed so far to reveal reproducible susceptibility loci, attributed in part to the influence of the underlying Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterial genotype on the outcome of the infection. In recent work by Jody et al, by implementing a phylogenetic tree-based analysis for 714 TB patients from Thailand, we identify eight putative genetic interaction points both linked to the IFNγ cytokine and host immune system. The genome-to-genome analysis reveals a complex interactome picture, supports host-pathogen adaptation and co-evolution in TB, and has potential applications to large-scale studies across many TB endemic populations

Plasmodium knowlesi is a parasite that causes malaria in humans and other primates. It is found throughout Southeast Asia, and is the most common cause of human malaria in Malaysia. A published large-scale genomic analysis of Plasmodium knowlesi led by Anna et al. recently confirms that the parasite falls into three main sub-populations distinguished by a combination of geographical location (Borneo, Peninsula) and macaque host (Macaca fascicularis and M. nemestrina). The analysis reveals differences in Borneo clusters linked to mosquito-related stages of the parasite cycle, in contrast to differences in host-related stages for the Peninsula group. The work identifies new genetic exchange events, including introgressions between Malaysian Peninsula and M. nemestrina-associated clusters on various chromosomes.

COVID-19 has reinforced the importance of staff and personal wellbeing. Laboratory staff work predominantly onsite, and due to the nature of their work, bioinformaticians can work from home. The LSHTM group has a workplace lunch every Friday at the end of the month, to gather the entire team (or as much as possible) and just enjoy each other's company with strictly no work talk allowed! This month we went to Phoenix Palace, which has great food. We look forward to the next team lunch day next month and welcoming new additions to the team.