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The length of telomeres in white blood cells, known as leukocytes, varies significantly among sub-Saharan African populations, researchers report May 2nd in The American Journal of Human Genetics.

The team did find what they suspect are anti-infection adaptations, many in a region of the genome called the human leukocyte antigen complex, which regulates immune response.

The relevant set of genes is known as the human leukocyte antigen, or HLA.

The team then measured the expression of over 400 genes related to the immune system that are expressed by white blood cells, or leukocytes.

This draws white blood cells called leukocytes to the area and allows them to enter the tissues so that they can destroy the threat.