TLR2, TLR4 and CD86 gene polymorphisms in recurrent aphthous stomatitis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Genetics
• Oral Medicine

Background:

• Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is an inflammatory condition influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
• Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and CD86 are crucial for innate immunity and cellular immune responses.
• Investigating genetic polymorphisms in TLRs and CD86 may reveal associations with RAS susceptibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if specific polymorphisms in the Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and CD86 genes are associated with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS).

Main Methods:

• Genotyping of eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TLR2, TLR4, and CD86 genes using PCR-RFLP in 96 RAS patients and 153 controls.
• Association analysis performed using logistic regression.
• Linkage disequilibrium assessed with Haploview software.

Main Results:

• A significant association was observed between the TLR4 rs10759931 polymorphism (A allele and AA genotype) and an increased risk of RAS.
• Increased inheritance of the TLR4 rs1927911 C allele and CC genotype showed a trend towards association with RAS, but did not reach statistical significance.
• No significant association was found between TLR2 or CD86 gene polymorphisms and RAS.

Conclusions:

• This study is the first to explore the link between TLR and CD86 gene polymorphisms and RAS.
• The TLR4 rs10759931 polymorphism is significantly associated with recurrent aphthous stomatitis.
• Further research, including studies in diverse populations and functional analyses, is warranted to elucidate the role of TLR4 in RAS pathogenesis.