Glutathione S-transferase P1 Ile105Val polymorphism modulates allergen-induced airway inflammation in human atopic asthmatics in vivo
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026

Candidate Gene Testing in Clinical Cohort Studies with Multiplexed Genotyping and Mass Spectrometry
Published on: June 21, 2018
1Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
Background:
Glutathione S-transferase P1 is a Phase II cytoprotective and detoxifying enzyme that is widely expressed in human airways. The glutathione S-transferase P1 Ile105Val polymorphism has been linked with atopic disorders and asthma. Yet, little remains known about the regulation of allergic inflammation by glutathione S-transferase P1 in human asthmatics.
Objective:
To establish the effect of the glutathione S-transferase P1 Ile105Val polymorphism on allergen-induced airway inflammation and oxidant stress, and non-specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine and reactivity to specific allergen in mild human atopic asthmatics in vivo.
Methods:
Five Val(105)/Val(105) , twelve Val(105)/Ile(105) and twenty Ile(105)/Ile(105) mild atopic asthmatics underwent methacholine challenge, inhaled allergen challenge and endobronchial allergen provocation through a bronchoscope. A panel of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, F2 -isoprostanes and isofuranes, markers of oxidative stress, thromboxane B2 and immunoglobulin E were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid at baseline and 24 h after allergen instillation.
Results:
Asthmatics with glutathione S-transferase P1 Val(105)/Val(105) compared with asthmatics with the glutathione S-transferase P1 Val(105)/Ile(105) and Ile(105)/Ile(105) had greater generation of acute phase cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, CXCL8), IL-12, CCL11, thromboxane B2 and immunoglobulin E at 24 h after local allergen challenge. The GSTP1 genotype had no effect on airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine and the reactivity to specific allergen.
Conclusion:
The glutathione S-transferase P1 Ile105Val polymorphism markedly modifies allergen-provoked airway inflammation in atopic asthmatics in vivo. Modulation of the biochemical milieu in response to allergen provides a mechanistic explanation for regulatory effects of glutathione S-transferase P1 polymorphism on airway pathophysiology, and may guide improvement of future therapeutic methods in human atopic asthmatics. These findings must me confirmed in a larger study population of asthmatics with various ethnicities.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Pharmacogenetics of Phase II Enzymes: N-acetyltransferase, Thiopurine S-methyltransferase, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Transporters: P-Glycoprotein and Solute Carrier Transporters

