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The impact of CD14 polymorphisms on the development of soluble CD14 levels during infancy
T D LeVan1, S Guerra, W Klimecki
1Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724-5030, USA.
Insights
CD14 gene variations influence soluble CD14 levels in infants by 3 months of age. This early association may impact immune system development and protection against allergies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
Background:
- CD14 receptor recognizes bacterial components, influencing infectious vs. allergic disease balance and T-helper 1 (TH1) polarization.
- Previous studies linked CD14 gene polymorphisms to soluble CD14 (sCD14) levels at 11 years.
- The association of CD14 genotypes with sCD14 levels at birth and in infancy was undetermined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between CD14 gene polymorphisms and plasma sCD14 levels in healthy infants from birth to 1 year of age.
- To determine if the association observed at 11 years is present earlier in life.
Main Methods:
- Measured plasma sCD14 levels in 387 newborns, 357 infants at 3 months, and 312 at 1 year.
- Assessed CD14 genotypes at specific 5' flanking regions (-4190, -2838, -1720, -260).
Main Results:
- No association found between CD14 genotypes and sCD14 levels at birth.
- A significant association between CD14 genotypes and sCD14 levels emerged by 3 months of age.
- Longitudinal analysis indicated CD14 polymorphisms modulate sCD14 levels up to 1 year of age.
Conclusions:
- CD14 gene polymorphisms significantly impact sCD14 levels starting in early infancy.
- This early-life association may influence TH1 immune polarization.
- Findings suggest a potential role in subsequent protection against allergic diseases.
Abstract:
CD14 is a receptor involved in the recognition of lipopolysaccharide and other bacterial wall components that may be involved in the balance between infectious and allergic disease and the early polarization towards TH1. Our group has shown an association between polymorphisms in the 5' flanking region of the CD14 gene and plasma soluble CD14 (sCD14) levels at 11 years of age. However, whether this association is present at birth and in infancy remains to be determined. In this study, we measured sCD14 levels in plasma from the umbilical cord (n = 387) and at 3 months (n = 357) and 1 year (n = 312) of age in non-selected healthy infants to assess their relationship with CD14 genotypes at -4190, -2838, -1720 and -260 (relative to translation start site). There was no relation of CD14 genotypes with sCD14 at birth. However, there was a significant association between CD14 genotypes and sCD14 as early as 3 months. Longitudinal analysis suggests that CD14 polymorphisms modulate sCD14 levels up to 1 year of age. This association early in life may have an impact on TH1 polarization and subsequent protection against allergic disease.
