Relationship between HLA-DQ Gene Polymorphism and Hepatitis B Virus Infection

Area of Science:

• Immunogenetics
• Virology
• Genetics

Background:

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a primary cause of chronic hepatitis B (CHB).
• Previous studies on the association between human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ polymorphisms (rs2856718 and rs7453920) and HBV infection risk have yielded controversial or inconclusive results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis to precisely estimate the association between HLA-DQ polymorphisms (rs2856718 and rs7453920) and the risk of HBV infection.

Main Methods:

• A meta-analysis was performed using data from 11 articles.
• Crude odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the association between specific HLA-DQ polymorphisms and HBV infection risk.

Main Results:

• The HLA-DQ rs2856718-G polymorphism was found to be protective against HBV infection, while the rs2856718-A allele was identified as a risk factor.
• The HLA-DQ rs7453920-A polymorphism was associated with a decreased risk of HBV infection, whereas the rs7453920-G allele was identified as a risk factor.

Conclusions:

• Specific HLA-DQ polymorphisms, namely rs2856718-G and rs7453920-A, demonstrate a protective effect against HBV infection.
• Conversely, HLA-DQ rs2856718-A and rs7453920-G are associated with an increased risk of HBV infection.
• Further large-scale studies across diverse ethnicities are warranted due to limitations in current correlational study numbers.