HLA-E gene polymorphism and expression in colorectal cancer patients

Area of Science:

• Immunogenetics
• Oncology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Human Leukocyte Antigen-E (HLA-E) is an immunomodulatory molecule with limited data on its role in colorectal cancer (CRC).
• Investigating HLA-E gene polymorphism and soluble HLA-E (sHLA-E) in CRC is crucial for understanding its pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between HLA-E gene polymorphism (rs1264457) and sHLA-E levels in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients from Tunisia.
• To determine the impact of HLA-E polymorphism and sHLA-E on CRC development and survival, considering gender differences.

Main Methods:

• Genotyping of HLA-E*01:01/01:03 polymorphism using PCR-SSP in 240 CRC patients and 254 controls.
• Quantification of sHLA-E levels in plasma using ELISA from 50 CRC patients and 97 controls.
• Statistical analysis including odds ratios, confidence intervals, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

Main Results:

• Lower frequencies of HLA-E*01:01 allele and homozygous genotype were observed in CRC patients compared to controls.
• Female CRC patients showed significantly higher frequencies of HLA-E*01:03 allele and genotype.
• Female patients with HLA-E*01:01 had significantly shorter 3-year overall survival, and lower sHLA-E levels were found in female patients compared to males.

Conclusions:

• HLA-E gene polymorphism and sHLA-E levels may play a gender-specific role in colorectal cancer (CRC) in the Tunisian population.
• Findings suggest potential for gender-specific diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in CRC.
• sHLA-E molecules demonstrated dose-independent downregulation of T cell-mediated IFN-γ production.