Immunogenetics Immunogenetics Immunogenetics or immungenetics is the branch of medical genetics that explores the relationship between the immune system and genetics. Autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, are complex genetic traits which result from defects in the immune system. Identification of genes defining the immune defects may identify new target genes for therapeutic approaches. Alternatively, genetic variations can also help to define the immunological pathway leading to disease. Its origin is usually attributed to Edward Jenner, who discovered in 1796 that cowpox, or vaccinia, induced protection against human smallpox. It took two centuries before the World Health Organization announced in
Royal Edward (1796 ship) then renamed her. Though volumes of "Lloyd's Register" and the "Register of Shipping" give a capture year of 1796, she does not enter "Lloyd's Register" before 1798. She sailed as a West Indiaman before entering into the slave trade. First slave voyage (1799-1800): Captain Thomas Bushell sailed from England on 4 September 1799. She gathered her slaves at Bonny Island, and arrived at Kingston, Jamaica on 14 July 1800. She had embarked 432 slaves and she disembarked 316, for a loss rate of 8.3%. "Royal Edward" left Jamaica on 18 October and arrived back at Liverpool on 23 December. She