PMID: 11981437

Issn Print: 0041-1337

Publication Date: 2002/04/27


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Effect of HLA-DR matching on acute rejection after clinical heart transplantation might be influenced by an IL-2 gene polymorphism

Cecile T.J. Holweg; Annemiek M.A. Peeters; Aggie H.M.M. Balk; André G. Uitterlinden; Hubert G.M. Niesters; Alex P.W.M. Maat; Willem Weimar; Carla C. Baan

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Abstract

Background.

To examine whether genetic factors are involved in the development of acute rejection (AR), we investigated a (CA)m(CT)n repeat in the 3′-flanking region of the interleukin (IL)-2 gene.

Method.

We genotyped 290 heart transplant recipients with and without AR (International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation criteria ≥3A) and 101 controls.

Results.

The frequency of allele 135 of the repeat and its genotype distribution (carriers/noncarriers) were significantly associated with freedom from AR (P =0.03 and P =0.02, respectively). We also found interaction between allele 135 and HLA-DR matching. More carriers of allele 135 with no or one mismatch remained free from AR compared to patients without the allele (P =0.01). This was not found in the HLA-DR group with two mismatches.

Conclusion.

HLA-DR matching might only be effective in reducing AR after heart transplantation in recipients who carry allele 135 of the (CA)m(CT)n repeat in the 3′-flanking region of the IL-2 gene.

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