Genetic polymorphisms of BACH2, a key gene regulating Th2 immune response, increasing risk of allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an allergic disease characterized by the dominant differentiation of T helper cell 2 (Th2). BACH2 plays a key role in regulating Th2 immune response. This study aimed to explore the association between BACH2 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) and susceptibility to AR.

Han population from northern Shaanxi, China was chosen as subjects. After the DNA extraction from the peripheral blood of subjects, genotyping was completed through the Agena MassARRAY platform. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association. Multivariate dimensionality reduction (MDR) was used to evaluate the effect of the interaction between 'SNP-SNP' on susceptibility to AR. Using false-positive report probability (FPRP) analysis to test whether the significant results obtained in this study were noteworthy.

BACH2-rs905670 and -rs2134814 were significantly associated with increased risk of AR. The mutant allele 'A' of rs905670 (OR = 1.36, p = 0.018) and mutant allele 'G' of rs2134814 (OR = 1.34, p = 0.027) were risk genetic factors for AR. The above genetic association was further observed in the stratified analysis: BACH2-rs905670 and-rs2134814 were significantly associated with an increased risk of AR in females, aging older than 43 years, and participants working and living in the loess hills (OR > 1, p < 0.05).

BACH2-rs905670 and -rs2134814 are significantly associated with increasing AR risk.