Variation in the tumour necrosis factor gene is not associated with susceptibility to COPD

Ligation of both TLR2 and 9 on human cells has been shown to be associated with the development of T-reg cells and/or tolerance [5, 6].We found that HSV infection conferred protection against atopy among Finnish children only.Besides the fact that atopy is infrequent in Russian Karelia, the overall exposure to microorganisms is overwhelming and the impact of saprophytes and other pathogens may well override the possible effects of HSV on the Russian side.In summary, in an area with a relatively low microbial burden such as Finnish Karelia, herpes simplex virus appears to be able to exert immunomodulatory potential, which may have implications for the occurrence of atopy.This finding confirms the result shown previously in two other Western populations [7, 8].