Association of GZMB polymorphisms and susceptibility to non-segmental vitiligo in a Korean population

Non-segmental vitiligo (NSV) is the most common type of vitiligo, which is characterized by chronic and progressive loss of melanocytes. Genetic factors have been shown to play a key role in NSV in association and family studies. Granzyme B is a serine protease found in the cytoplasmic granules of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells that play an important role in inducing apoptotic changes of target cells. Several recent studies have provided evidence that polymorphism in the GZMB gene might be associated with autoimmune disease. A total of 249 NSV patients and 455 healthy controls were recruited to determine whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) [rs2236337 (3' untranslated region, UTR), rs2236338 (Tyr247His), rs11539752 (Pro94Ala), rs10909625 (Lys80Lys), rs8192917 (Arg55Gln), and rs7144366 (5' near gene)] in GZMB gene contribute to the risk of developing NSV. Genotyping was performed using a single 192.24 Dynamic Array IFC. Data were analyzed using EP1 SNP Genotyping Analysis software to obtain genotype calls. Among the six SNPs tested, five SNPs (rs2236337, rs2236338, rs11539752, rs10909625, and rs8192917) showed significant association with NSV susceptibility. Among them, rs2236338, rs11539752, rs10909625, and rs8192917 remained a statistically significant association following multiple correction test. The five SNPs were located within a block of linkage disequilibrium. Haplotypes T-A-G-T-T and C-G-C-C-C consisting of rs2236337, rs2236338, rs11539752, rs10909625, and rs8192917 demonstrated significant association with NSV. Our results suggest that GZMB polymorphisms are associated with the development of NSV.