IL4R alpha mutations are associated with asthma exacerbations and mast cell/IgE expression.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Severe asthma has been associated with severe exacerbations, lower lung function and greater tissue inflammation. Previous studies have suggested that mutations in interleukin-4 receptor alpha (IL4Ralpha) are associated with lower lung function, higher IgE, and a gain in receptor function. However, an effect on exacerbations and tissue inflammation has not been shown.

Hypothesis

Allelic substitutions in IL4Ralpha are associated with asthma exacerbations, lower lung function, and tissue inflammation, in particular to mast cells and IgE.

Methods

Two well-characterized cohorts of subjects with severe asthma were analyzed for five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL4Ralpha. These polymorphisms were compared with the history of severe asthma exacerbatio

SUBMITTER: Wenzel SE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1899282 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature