IL-12 RB1 Genetic Variants Contribute to Human Susceptibility to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Infection among Chinese
2008

Genetic Variants of IL-12 RB1 and SARS Susceptibility in Chinese

Sample size: 115 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Tang Fang, Liu Wei, Zhang Fang, Xin Zhong-Tao, Wei Mao-Ti, Zhang Pan-He, Yang Hong, Ly Hinh, Cao Wu-Chun

Primary Institution: Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology

Hypothesis

Polymorphisms of the IL-12 receptor B1 gene might be associated with SARS susceptibility.

Conclusion

Genetic variants of IL-12RB1 confer genetic susceptibility to SARS infection in the Chinese population.

Supporting Evidence

  • Individuals with the +1664 C/T genotype had a 2.09-fold increased risk of developing SARS.
  • The study identified a risk haplotype (GCCT) associated with SARS infection.
  • Genetic variants of IL-12RB1 were not associated with disease progression.

Takeaway

Some people have genes that make them more likely to get sick from SARS, a type of virus. This study looked at those genes in Chinese people.

Methodology

A case-control study was conducted comparing 115 SARS patients with 141 close contacts and 155 healthy controls, analyzing four SNPs of the IL-12RB1 gene.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the selection of control groups, as close contacts may have different genetic backgrounds compared to healthy controls.

Limitations

The study had a relatively small sample size and not all subjects were genotyped due to inadequate DNA samples.

Participant Demographics

Participants included 115 SARS patients and two control groups: 141 close contacts and 155 healthy blood donors, all of Han ethnicity.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.044 for +1664 C/T genotype comparison with control A

Confidence Interval

95% CI, 1.90–7.16 for CT genotype and 95% CI, 1.79–13.37 for TT genotype

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0002183

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