FcRL3 and multiple sclerosis pathogenesis: role in autoimmunity?
OBJECTIVE
A functional promoter polymorphism in the FcRL3 gene, -169 T/C, has been shown to regulate gene expression and to play a role in several autoimmune diseases. We aimed at testing for the first time whether this gene was involved in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis.


METHODS
Case-control study performed with 400 Spanish MS patients and 508 healthy subjects. Genotyping of -169 T/C and -110 G/A was ascertained by using TaqMan MGB chemistry following manufacturer suggestions (Applied Biosystems, CA, USA).


RESULTS
As previously seen for other autoimmune diseases, a significant difference was observed in the distribution of -169 T/C FcRL3 genotypes between MS patients and healthy controls (p = 0.03; chi(2) = 6.99). The -169 T allele, recently associated with increased susceptibility to Addison's disease, showed a parallel effect in MS [(TT+TC) vs. CC: p = 0.013; OR = 1.55 (1.08-2.54)].


CONCLUSIONS
An increased susceptibility associated to the -169 T allele was found when MS patients and controls were compared, supporting the role of the FcRL3 locus in MS predisposition and therefore extending the evidence of its general influence on autoimmunity.
Martínez
Alfonso
A
Department of Immunology, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain.
Mas
Ana
A
de Las Heras
Virginia
V
Bartolomé
Manuel
M
Arroyo
Rafael
R
Fernández-Arquero
Miguel
M
de la Concha
Emilio G
EG
Urcelay
Elena
E
D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000502:physiology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D005787:Gene Frequency; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000235:genetics*; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology
C457775:FCRL3 protein, human; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic