Associations between interleukin-13, interleukin-4 and their receptor gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to atopic dermatitis in a Chinese Han population

Abstract

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin condition that occurs due to a combined effect of immune dysregulation, skin barrier dysfunction, changes in the cutaneous microbiome, and genetic factors. Recent data from both clinical trials and real-world studies indicate that dupilumab, a biological agent that inhibits interleukin 4 receptor-α is an effective drug in the treatment of AD, which further suggests the important role of IL-13 and IL-4 in the pathogenesis of AD. Objectives To assess the association between gene polymorphisms of IL-13, IL-13 receptor, IL-4, and IL-4 receptor and susceptibility to AD. Methods The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the above-mentioned genes were detected by single base extension (SNaPshot) assay. The association between these SNPs and AD risk was analysed using SPSS software. Results Two hundred and seventy-one subjects including 130 patients with AD and 141 healthy controls were enrolled. There were statistical differences between AD patients and controls in genotype distribution at rs2265753, rs6646259, and rs2254672 of the IL-13 receptor gene (P all < 0.001). Subjects with CG at rs2265753, AG at rs6646259 and TG at rs2254672 had increased risks for AD (P all < 0.001), and subjects with GG at rs2265753, rs6646259, and rs2254672 had reduced risks for AD (P all < 0.001). Limitation This was a single-centre and single-race study, with a relatively small sample size. Conclusions Findings from this study show that rs2265753, rs6646259 and rs2254672 of the IL-13 receptor gene are associated with susceptibility to AD.