Clinical and Molecular Allergy (Feb 2006)

IL-4 alpha chain receptor (IL-4Rα) polymorphisms in allergic bronchopulmonary sspergillosis

  • Consolino Judy D,
  • Kariuki Barbara,
  • Knutsen Alan P,
  • Warrier Manoj R

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1476-7961-4-3
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 4, no. 1
p. 3

Abstract

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Abstract Background Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis occurs in 7–10% of cystic fibrosis (CF) and 1–2% of asthmatic patients. HLA-DR restriction and increased sensitivity to IL-4 stimulation have been proposed as risk factors in these populations. Objective We examined for the presence of IL-4 receptor alpha chain (IL-4Rα) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ABPA and whether these accounted for increased sensitivity to IL-4 stimulation. Methods One extracellular (ile75val) and four cytoplasmic IL-4Rα SNPs were analyzed in 40 CF and 22 asthmatic patients and in 56 non-ABPA CF and asthmatic patients. Sensitivity to IL-4 stimulation was measured by induction of CD23 expression on B cells. Results IL-4Rα SNPs were observed in 95% of ABPA patients. The predominant IL-4Rα SNP was the extracellular IL-4Rα SNP, ile75val, observed in 80% of ABPA patients. Conclusion The presence of IL-4Rα SNPs, principally ile75val, appears to be a genetic risk for the development of ABPA.