Association Study between Psoriatic Arthritis and Killer Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor (KIR) Genes: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is a seronegative spondyloarthropathy frequently associated with psoriasis. Studies have shown different members of the KIR (Killer Immunoglobulin-like Receptor) gene family may act as potential susceptibility factors; however, data have been inconsistent or with a reduced sample size. Therefore, the objective of this investigation was to determine associations between KIR genes and PsA susceptibility a meta-analysis approach. Methods: We performed a systemic search on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify association studies linking KIR genes with PsA susceptibility. The search cut-off was May 2019. Odds Ratio (OR), 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI), and forest plots were obtained for each KIR gene. Publication bias was evaluated by Begg and Egger linear regression tests. Results: Five articles were included in this meta-analysis. The KIR2DL2, 2DS1, 2DS2, and 2DS3 genes were positively associated with susceptibility to PsA (OR = 1.269, p = .003; OR = 1.392, p < .001; OR = 1.279, p = .002; and OR = 1.230, p = .038, respectively). In Caucasians, positive association with susceptibility to PsA were maintained by KIR2DL2, 2DS1, and 2DS2 genes (OR = 1.257, p = .005; OR = 1.535, p = .003; and OR = 1.267, p = .004, respectively). Conclusion: These associations suggest that KIR2DL2, 2DS1, 2DS2, and 2DS3 genes are susceptibility factors for PsA.