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Variability in laboratory immune parameters is associated with stress hormone receptor polymorphisms
Kristina E Rehm1, Lianbin Xiang, Okan U Elci
1Laboratory of Behavioral Immunology Research, Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Miss., USA.
Neuroimmunomodulation
|March 24, 2012
Summary
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in stress-related genes influence immune cell profiles. Genetic variations in hormone receptors like glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and beta-2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR) correlate with immune cell differences in healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Psychoneuroimmunology
- Human immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Inter-subject variability in immune lab data is common.
- Hormone receptor gene polymorphisms may explain immune variability.
- Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can affect ligand-receptor binding affinity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between specific SNPs in the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and beta-2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR) genes and immune cell profiles.
- To determine if genetic variations influence Th1, Th2, regulatory T cell (Treg), Tr1, and Th3 cell counts.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of 207 healthy volunteers for GR (Bcl1, TthIIII, A3669G) and β2AR (Gly16Arg, Gln27Glu) SNPs.
- Quantification of immune cell populations including Th1, Th2, Th1/Th2 ratio, Treg, Tr1, and Th3.
- Comparison of immune parameters between SNP groups and wild type (WT).
Main Results:
- Significant differences in Th2 and Th1/Th2 ratio were found for the β2AR Gly16Arg SNP.
- Th1, Th1/Th2 ratio, and Tr1 cells varied significantly with the β2AR Gln27Glu SNP.
- Age and BMI effects on immune cells differed across Gly16Arg subtypes; allergic status and gender impacted immune cells across multiple SNPs.
Conclusions:
- SNPs in the stress-immune network are valuable for subgrouping immune responses.
- This genetic subgrouping can enhance the categorization of psychoneuroimmunological stress risk.
- The findings suggest potential for significant research and clinical applications in personalized medicine.
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