A new study has shed light on the role of CHRFAM7A, a uniquely human gene, in inflammation. CHRFAM7A is thought to regulate the functions of α7-nAChR, a key molecule in the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Researchers found that CHRFAM7A transgenic mice, which have an extra copy of the CHRFAM7A gene, showed an enhanced immune response at the early stage of inflammation. This was due to an increased mobilization of leukocytes and priming of macrophages, which are immune cells that engulf and destroy pathogens. The study suggests that CHRFAM7A may be important in protecting us from infection. This is because the enhanced immune response at the early stage of inflammation can help clear pathogens before they can cause serious illness.
