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Evaluation of the association between KIR polymorphisms and systemic sclerosis: a meta-analysis
Elham Karimizadeh1, Shayan Mostafaei2, Saeed Aslani1
1Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Shariati Hospital, Kargar Ave, Tehran, Iran.
Advances in Rheumatology (London, England)
|January 12, 2020
Summary
Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) gene polymorphisms are not associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc) risk. This meta-analysis found no significant link between KIR genes and SSc, suggesting they are not risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Rheumatology
- Human Genetics
Background:
- Investigating the link between killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) gene polymorphisms and systemic sclerosis (SSc) risk has yielded inconsistent findings.
- Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) play a crucial role in immune regulation.
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease with a poorly understood etiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis evaluating the association between killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) gene polymorphisms and the risk of developing systemic sclerosis (SSc).
- To resolve inconsistencies in previous studies regarding KIR gene variants and SSc susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus databases for studies published before July 2019.
- Included studies focused on killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) gene family polymorphisms and systemic sclerosis (SSc) risk.
- Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the association.
Main Results:
- Five articles, involving 571 SSc patients and 796 healthy controls, were included in the meta-analysis.
- Sixteen different killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genes were assessed.
- No significant association was found between any of the assessed killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genes and the risk of systemic sclerosis (SSc).
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genes are unlikely to be significant risk factors for systemic sclerosis (SSc).
- This meta-analysis provides robust evidence against a direct role of KIR gene polymorphisms in SSc pathogenesis.
- Further research may explore other genetic or environmental factors contributing to SSc development.
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