Fc-gamma receptor polymorphisms differentially influence susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis

Abstract

This study is the first to investigate the most relevant and functional single nucleotide polymorphisms and copy number variations of FcγRII and FcγRIII polymorphisms in one study population, enabling the determination of the individual contribution of each polymorphism in multivariable analysis. Three polymorphisms were shown to be independently associated with susceptibility to SLE. The novel findings of a negative association of the 2B.4 haplotype with LN, and increased expression of FcγRIIb on neutrophils and monocytes as a result of this 2B.4 haplotype warrant future research in the role of these cells and FcγRs in the pathogenesis of SLE and LN.