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Published on: January 24, 2016
Association between tuberculosis and a polymorphic NFkappaB binding site in the interferon gamma gene
Manda Rossouw1, Hendrik J Nel, Graham S Cooke
1MRC Centre for Molecular and Cellular Biology and Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, 7505, Tygerberg, South Africa.
Lancet (London, England)
|June 6, 2003
Summary
A specific gene variation in interferon gamma (IFNG) is linked to tuberculosis susceptibility. This genetic factor influences host defense mechanisms, potentially impacting tuberculosis development.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Interferon gamma (IFNG) plays a critical role in host defense against various infections.
- Genetic variations within the IFNG gene may influence susceptibility to infectious diseases like tuberculosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between a specific polymorphism in the interferon gamma gene (IFNG) and susceptibility to tuberculosis.
- To determine if genetic variability in IFNG impacts the risk of developing tuberculosis.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 313 tuberculosis cases and a South African population.
- A family-based study utilizing the transmission disequilibrium test in 131 families.
- Analysis of the +874A-->T polymorphism within the IFNG gene.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between the +874A-->T polymorphism in IFNG and tuberculosis in the South African population (p=0.0055).
- This association was successfully replicated in the family-based study (p=0.005).
- The transcription factor NFkappaB preferentially binds to the +874T allele, which is more common in controls.
Conclusions:
- Genetically determined variations in interferon gamma expression, influenced by the +874A-->T polymorphism, may be important in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis.
- The findings suggest a role for IFNG genetic variability in tuberculosis susceptibility.
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