Human IL-27p28 Gene Polymorphisms are Associated with the Serum Total IgE Levels of Allergic Rhinitis Patients

Abstract

Interleukin 27 (IL-27) was discovered as a heterodimeric cytokine of the IL-12 family, and is composed of two subunits -Epstein-Barr virus induced gene 3 (EBI3) and p28. It acts as a versatile cytokine in the early regulation of Th1 initiation and in the negative regulation of the Th2 factor GATA binding protein 3 (GATA-3). This cytokine is mediated by the IL-27 receptor (WSX-1), which is highly expressed on CD4 + T lymphocytes and NK cells. We previously identified four polymorphisms in the human IL-27p28 gene and suggested that the polymorphism of IL-27p28 is associated with susceptibility to asthma. To determine whether these IL-27p28 SNPs are associated with susceptibility to allergic rhinitis, the genotype and allele frequencies of IL-27p28 SNPs were analyzed between allergic rhinitis patients and healthy controls. Although the genotype and allele frequencies of IL-27p28 SNPs in allergic rhinitis patients were not significantly different from those of the control group, there was a suggestive difference (P=0.037) between these groups in total serum IgE levels in the g.2905T>G SNP of the IL-27p28 gene. Our result implies that the g.2905T>G SNP of the IL-27p28 gene might have an affect on IgE production in allergic rhinitis patients.

Correlation between IL-27p28 Genetic Polymorphisms and Risk of Allergic Rhinitis

“…16 On the other hand, in accordance with the findings of our study, Ji-In Yu et al found that the frequencies of alleles and genotypes of rs181206 and rs153109 SNPs in AR patients and healthy controls in a Korean population were not significantly different. 32 Therefore, the results of this study, consistent with our findings, indicate that IL-27p28 SNPs (rs181206 and rs153109) may not be associated with AR susceptibility in some populations.…”