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
Herbert Jenner Herbert Jenner Herbert Jenner (born 23 February 1806 at Mayfair, London; died 30 July 1904 at Falfield, Gloucestershire) was an English barrister. As an amateur cricketer he played first-class cricket from 1825 to 1838. He changed his name to Herbert Jenner-Fust in 1864. Herbert Jenner was the eldest son of the judge Herbert Jenner-Fust, Dean of the Arches. He was educated at Eton, where he was first noted as a schoolboy cricketer playing against Harrow School in 1822, and Trinity Hall, Cambridge. In 1827, he captained Cambridge University in the inaugural university match played at Lord's Cricket Ground. Jenner entered