Toll-like receptor 1 N248S polymorphism affects T helper 1 cytokine production and is associated with serum immunoglobulin E levels in Taiwanese allergic patients
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: This study was carried out to investigate whether toll-like receptor-1 (TLR1) rs4833095 (N248S) variant, common in the Taiwanese population, contributes to pathogenesis of allergy. METHODS: TLR2/1 ligand Pam3CSK4-stimulated cytokine production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and monocyte-derived dendritic cells of different genotypes were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Ninety-three Taiwanese allergic patients (with asthma, allergic rhinitis, or atopic dermatitis) and 76 controls were recruited for genotyping. Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were evaluated in 60 allergic patients. RESULTS: The homozygous TLR1 C variant allele carrier had increased Pam3CSK4-induced tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-12 responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and monocyte-derived dendritic cells, respectively. Furthermore, although the C/C genotype was not associated with susceptibility to atopic diseases, it was correlated with lower total IgE levels in sera of allergic patients. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the TLR1 N248S polymorphism might play a role in Th1/Th2 differentiation, and the determination of serum IgE levels. However, interactions with other genetic and environmental factors might be required to contribute to risk of allergic diseases in our population.