The Fc receptor-like 3 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to autoimmune diseases: an updated meta-analysis

Previous studies have identified several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of Fc receptor-like 3 (FCRL3), an excellent susceptibility gene, as predisposing factors for human autoimmune diseases (ADs). However, the results remain inconclusive. To assess the effect of four selected SNPs (rs7528684, rs11264799, rs945635 and rs3761959), we conducted a meta-analysis with 34 case-control studies. Summary odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the polymorphisms in FCRL3 and ADs risk were evaluated. Furthermore, this meta-analysis was performed by using allele comparisons, as well as stratified analyses by ethnicity and disease phenotypes under different genetic models. Our data showed that the TC, TT + TC genotypes of rs7528684 contributed to a lower risk of ADs, compared with the CC carriers (OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.85-0.97; OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.85-0.98). In comparison with rs7528684 TC genotype, the TT + CC carriers were significantly associated with higher ADs risk (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.00-1.07). In terms of stratified analyses by ethnicity and disease phenotypes, there were significant associations of rs7528684 polymorphism both with ADs in Asians and Europeans, and with rheumatoid arthritis, Graves' disease, type-1 diabetes, and other ADs under different genetic models. Moreover, significant associations were also found to be correlated with ADs risk for the SNP rs11264799 in mixed subgroup, for rs945635 in Europeans, North Americans and mixed group, and for rs3761959 in North Americans. These findings indicate that the polymorphisms in FCRL3 may play a role in the pathogenesis of ADs.