{
  "id": 18521296,
  "title": "Genetic variant may increase the risk of pneumonia",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/genetic-variant-may-increase-the-risk-of-pneumonia",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-11-06T15:40:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Medical Xpress",
    "slug": "medical-xpress",
    "url": "https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-11-genetic-variant-pneumonia.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "New research published in eBioMedicine suggests a genetic variant may increase the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Pneumonia is a common infection that affects around 20,000-30,000 individuals in Sweden annually, with known risk factors including age, smoking, and pre-existing medical conditions. A study led by researchers at Lund University and Skåne University Hospital discovered that a genetic difference, present in about 1 in 7 Europeans, can affect the innate immune system's ability to combat the disease.\n\nThe focus of the study was on the Dectin-1 receptor, which is responsible for recognizing foreign substances and aiding the body's response to them. This receptor is located on cells in lung tissue and has previously been associated with protection against fungal infections. However, the new study reveals that this receptor also plays a significant role in defending the airways against bacteria.\n\nThe genetic variant being studied causes the Dectin-1 receptor to function less effectively. In a cohort of over 28,000 participants followed for an average of 17 years, those carrying the variant had approximately a 12% higher risk of developing pneumonia, even when accounting for smoking, weight, and other medical conditions that impact the immune system. The researchers were astonished by the significant impact a single, relatively common genetic variant could have.\n\nTo further understand the mechanism behind the increased risk, the researchers conducted experiments on mice. Mice lacking or having a less effective version of this immune system receptor struggled more to clear two common bacteria responsible for respiratory tract infections: pneumococci and Hemophilus. The slower the receptor functioned, the less efficiently the mice could eliminate these bacteria from their bodies.\n\nThe study also found that the Dectin-1 receptor aids the immune system in recognizing bacteria and triggering the body's defenses against them. When the receptor does not function properly, the body's ability to fight off bacteria is compromised. This discovery provides a new understanding of how the lungs' immune system detects bacteria, which could ultimately contribute to better understanding why some individuals are more susceptible to infections than others.",
  "summary": "Pneumonia is a common and sometimes serious infection that affects 20,000–30,000 people in Sweden every year. Well-known risk factors include advanced age, smoking and underlying medical conditions. In a new study published in eBioMedicine, researchers at Lund University and Skåne University Hospital have shown that genetic differences in the innate immune system can also influence the risk of…",
  "key_points": [
    "Genetic variant increases risk of pneumonia in 1 in 7 Europeans",
    "Dectin-1 receptor less effective in variant carriers, hindering immune response",
    "Study links variant to 12% higher pneumonia risk despite other factors"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}