Effect of HLA-DR matching on acute rejection after clinical heart transplantation might be influenced by an IL-2 gene polymorphism.
BACKGROUND
To examine whether genetic factors are involved in the development of acute rejection (AR), we investigated a (CA)m(CT)n repeat in the 3'-flanking region of the interleukin (IL)-2 gene.


METHODS
We genotyped 290 heart transplant recipients with and without AR (International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation criteria > or =3A) and 101 controls.


RESULTS
The frequency of allele 135 of the repeat and its genotype distribution (carriers/noncarriers) were significantly associated with freedom from AR (P=0.03 and P=0.02, respectively). We also found interaction between allele 135 and HLA-DR matching. More carriers of allele 135 with no or one mismatch remained free from AR compared to patients without the allele (P=0.01). This was not found in the HLA-DR group with two mismatches.


CONCLUSIONS
HLA-DR matching might only be effective in reducing AR after heart transplantation in recipients who carry allele 135 of the (CA)m(CT)n repeat in the 3'-flanking region of the IL-2 gene.
Holweg
Cecile T J
CT
Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Diagnostic Institute of Molecular Biology, and Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Rotterdam-Dijkzigt, The Netherlands. Holweg@inw1.azr.nl
Peeters
Annemiek M A
AM
Balk
Aggie H M M
AH
Uitterlinden
André G
AG
Niesters
Hubert G M
HG
Maat
Alex P W M
AP
Weimar
Willem
W
Baan
Carla C
CC
D020413:3' Untranslated Regions / Q000235:genetics; D000483:Alleles; D018900:Dinucleotide Repeats; D006580:Genetic Carrier Screening; D005838:Genotype; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000276:immunology*; D006650:Histocompatibility Testing; D006801:Humans; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000235:genetics*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic
D020413:3' Untranslated Regions; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D007376:Interleukin-2