The<i> CD40</i> rs1883832 Polymorphism Affects Sepsis Susceptibility and sCD40L Levels

Abstract

Sepsis is a severe and progressive disease characterized by systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). CD40 serves as a vital link between immune response and inflammation. This study was designed to investigate the potential association between a functional single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of <i>CD40</i> (rs1883832) and susceptibility to sepsis. We first performed a case-control study to explore the relationship between the <i>CD40</i> rs1883832 polymorphism and sepsis. <i>CD40</i> mRNA expression and protein expression were determined by real-time PCR and western blotting, respectively, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from sepsis patients and healthy controls. The plasma sCD40L levels in the two groups were measured by ELISA. The results showed that the frequencies of the TT genotype and the <i>CD40</i> rs1883832 T allele were significantly higher in sepsis patients than in healthy controls. Plasma sCD40L levels were also significantly increased in sepsis patients. In addition, TT genotype carriers among sepsis patients displayed the highest <i>CD40</i> expression at both the mRNA and protein levels, accompanied by the highest plasma sCD40L concentrations. In conclusion, the <i>CD40</i> rs1883832 T allele acts as a risk factor for increased susceptibility to sepsis and may be involved in the process of sepsis through regulation of <i>CD40</i> expression and plasma sCD40L levels.