Association of Mannose-binding Lectin Polymorphisms with Tuberculosis Susceptibility among Chinese

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant global health issue caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• Host genetic factors play a crucial role in determining individual susceptibility to TB.
• Previous studies on MBL2 gene polymorphisms and TB risk have yielded controversial results across different populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the MBL2 gene and the risk of pulmonary TB.
• To analyze the impact of MBL2 haplotypes on TB susceptibility in a Chinese Han population.

Main Methods:

• Genotyping of four functional MBL2 SNPs (H/L, X/Y, P/Q, A/B) using direct DNA sequencing.
• Case-control study design involving 1,020 pulmonary TB patients and 1,020 healthy controls of Chinese Han origin.
• Statistical analysis including odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and P-values to assess associations.

Main Results:

• The BB or AB genotypes at the A/B locus of MBL2 were significantly associated with increased TB susceptibility (OR = 1.57, P = 1.3 × 10⁻⁶).
• The LYPB haplotype demonstrated a significant association with an elevated risk of TB (OR = 1.54, P = 4.2 × 10⁻⁶).
• Individuals with low- or medium-MBL expression haplotype pairs exhibited a higher risk of developing TB (OR = 1.56, P = 1.4 × 10⁻⁶).

Conclusions:

• MBL2 gene variants, particularly those leading to reduced MBL expression, contribute to an increased susceptibility to tuberculosis.
• The findings highlight the role of MBL2 polymorphisms in TB pathogenesis within the studied population.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking MBL2 variants to TB risk.