Effect of CTLA-4 gene polymorphisms on long-term kidney allograft function in Han Chinese recipients

Area of Science:

• Immunogenetics
• Transplantation immunology
• Renal medicine

Background:

• Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) gene are implicated in organ transplant outcomes.
• Understanding genetic factors influencing long-term allograft function is crucial for improving patient prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between specific CTLA-4 gene SNPs (rs733618, rs4553808, rs5742909, rs231775, rs3087243) and long-term kidney allograft function.
• To identify genetic markers that may predict the success of renal transplantation in a Chinese population.

Main Methods:

• Genotyping of five CTLA-4 SNPs was performed in 292 Chinese renal transplant recipients.
• Long-term allograft function was assessed by measuring estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at multiple time points up to 60 months post-transplantation.
• Haplotype analysis was conducted to evaluate combinations of SNPs.

Main Results:

• Significant associations were found between CTLA-4 SNPs rs733618, rs3087243 (alleles and genotypes), and rs5742909, rs231775 (genotypes) with long-term allograft function (P<0.05).
• Favorable genotypes correlated with enhanced allograft function over the 60-month follow-up period.
• Specific haplotypes (TACGG, CACAG, CGTAA) were also significantly associated with kidney function (P<0.05 or P<0.01).

Conclusions:

• Certain CTLA-4 genotypes (e.g., rs5742909TT) and alleles (e.g., rs733618C, rs3087243A) are associated with better long-term allograft function.
• Unfavorable genotypes (e.g., rs733618TT, rs3087243GG, rs231775GG) and the TACGG haplotype may indicate poorer outcomes.
• These CTLA-4 genetic variants and haplotypes could serve as predictive indicators for long-term kidney allograft function in Chinese recipients.