CTLA-4 polymorphism in the pathogenesis of chronic spontaneous autoreactive urticaria

Interleukin 1 Gene Polymorphisms Presumably Participate in the Pathogenesis of Chronic Spontaneous Autoreactive Urticaria

Recent studies underline a potential role of autoimmune and genetic disturbances in this disorder pathogenesis. Variants in genes related to inflammatory processes may possibly predispose to chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) occurrence. The objective of this study was to search for an association of Il1 genes polymorphisms with the pathogenesis of CSU. The examined group consisted of 153 unrelated chronic spontaneous autoreactive urticaria patients. The control group consisted of 104 unrelated healthy volunteers. In all studied subjects, IL1 rs1304037 and rs180058 polymorphisms were examined. The Urticaria Activity Score was used to assess disease intensity. The age of disease onset was also analyzed. Statistically significantly higher prevalence of Il1 rs1304037 TT genotype and T allele among CSU was proved. Similarly, the prevalence of Il1 rs1800587 GG genotype and G allele was statistically significantly higher in the CSU group. Haplotype combination rs1304037C/rs1800587G was statistically significantly more frequent in CSU, whereas rs1304037C/rs1800587A revealed statistically significantly less frequent occurrence in CSU. We did not observe any relationship between Il1 genotypes and the disease severity or age of disease onset. We are the first to suggest a significant role of IL1 gene polymorphisms in the susceptibility to CSU. This observation may lead to a better pathogenesis understanding and more effective treatment. We recommend further studies on other polymorphisms in chronic urticaria to analyze the role of the genetic mechanisms in the pathogenesis of this disorder.

Immunoglobulin E-Mediated Autoimmunity

The study of autoimmunity mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) autoantibodies, which may be termed autoallergy, is in its infancy. It is now recognized that systemic lupus erythematosus, bullous pemphigoid (BP), and chronic urticaria, both spontaneous and inducible, are most likely to be mediated, at least in part, by IgE autoantibodies. The situation in other conditions, such as autoimmune uveitis, rheumatoid arthritis, hyperthyroid Graves’ disease, autoimmune pancreatitis, and even asthma, is far less clear but evidence for autoallergy is accumulating. To be certain of an autoallergic mechanism, it is necessary to identify both IgE autoantibodies and their targets as has been done with the transmembrane protein BP180 and the intracellular protein BP230 in BP and IL-24 in chronic spontaneous urticaria. Also, IgE-targeted therapies, such as anti-IgE, must have been shown to be of benefit to patients as has been done with both of these conditions. This comprehensive review of the literature on IgE-mediated autoallergy focuses on three related questions. What do we know about the prevalence of IgE autoantibodies and their targets in different diseases? What do we know about the relevance of IgE autoantibodies in different diseases? What do we know about the cellular and molecular effects of IgE autoantibodies? In addition to providing answers to these questions, based on a broad review of the literature, we outline the current gaps of knowledge in our understanding of IgE autoantibodies and describe approaches to address them.

Inducible T-cell costimulator (ICOS) and CD28 polymorphisms possibly play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic autoreactive urticaria

BACKGROUND

Clinical experience emphasizes the coexistence of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and autoimmune disturbances. In chromosome 2q33-34, there is a cluster of homologous genes that are considered promising candidate genes for susceptibility to autoimmune diseases.

AIM

To examine the possible role of polymorphisms in the genes for CD28 and inducible T-cell costimulator (ICOS) in the background of CSU.

METHODS

In total, 149 patients with CSU with positive autologous serum skin test were enrolled in the study. The healthy control (HC) group consisted of 100 healthy volunteers. In all subjects, the CD28 rs2140148 and rs3116496 and the ICOS rs6726035 polymorphisms were analysed. Disease severity was assessed by means of Urticaria Activity Score.

RESULTS

We found a statistically significantly lower prevalence of the ICOS rs6726035 TT genotype among patients with CSU compared with HCs. Furthermore, the haplotype rs2140148A, rs3116496T and rs6726035C presented a possible association with CSU. We did not find any association between the examined polymorphisms and either urticaria severity or age of disease onset.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results underline the role of autoimmune components in the pathogenesis of chronic autoreactive urticaria, and indicate it as a potentially genetically related disorder.

Associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms of PTPN22 and Ctla4 genes with the risk of allergic rhinitis in a Chinese Han population

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammatory disorder of the upper airway. Protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor 22 encoded by PTPN22 gene and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated 4 encoded by Ctla4 gene are associated with autoimmune diseases.

PURPOSE

This study was performed to evaluate the potential association of PTPN22 and Ctla4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with AR in a Chinese Han population.

METHODS

A case-control study was performed in 783 Chinese AR patients and 811 healthy controls. Three SNPs in PTPN22 gene (rs2488457, rs1310182, and rs3789604) and 6 SNPs in Ctla4 gene (rs3087243, rs231779, rs11571302, rs11571315, rs231725, and rs35219727) were detected using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay (PCR-RFLP).

RESULTS

For PTPN22 gene, a significantly decreased prevalence of the rs2488457 CC genotype and C allele was found in AR patients. The frequencies of the rs1310182 CC genotype, CT genotype, and C allele were significantly associated with the risk of AR. For Ctla4 gene, a significantly increased prevalence of the rs11571302 AA genotype, CA genotype and A allele was noted in AR patients.

CONCLUSION

SNPs of PTPN22 and Ctla4 genes are significantly associated with the risk of AR in the Chinese Han population.