Polymorphisms in the Toll-like Receptor 2 Subfamily and Risk of Asthma: A Case-control Analysis in a Chinese Population

Background and objective: Cell activation through toll-like receptors (TLRs) has robust bipolar effects on host immunity and the pathogenesis of asthma. The TLR2 subfamily is a pivotal member of the TLR family. We sought to determine whether mutations in TLR2 subfamily genes affect the risk of asthma. Methods: A total of 318 asthmatic patients and 352 nonasthmatic controls were recruited. Eight single-nucleotide polymorphisms in TLR2 subfamily genes were detected using GenomeLab SNPstream (Beckman Coulter, Fullerton, California, USA). Results: We found that patients with the TLR2/rs7656411 TT variant homozygote had a significantly reduced risk of asthma when compared with those with the GG wild-type homozygote (adjusted odds ratio [On 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41-0.98; P=.036). Furthermore, a positive association was observed between the T allele of rs2381289 in TLR6 and allergic rhinitis in asthma (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.10-2.91; P=.025), while the A allele of rs11466651 in TLR10 was negatively associated with allergic rhinitis (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.26-0.95; P=.046). Conclusion: Our results indicate that a genetic variant in the TLR2 subfamily may play a role in susceptibility to asthma.