Scientists have identified 63 new genes, some with roles in the immune response, which represent potential targets for prevention or treatment.

“Our study is the first to show that libraries of mutant stem cells can be differentiated into different cell types en mass and screened to identify meaningful genes involved in a cell’s response to infection. Moreover, this technique can be used to identify host-based genes involved in any type bacterial or viral infection, or even response to drugs, toxins, or radiation,” said Dr. Deeann Wallis, lead author of the Stem Cells study. “This is a relatively novel way for researchers to discover gene function and assess host response.”
Source-Medindia