The exon 1 polymorphism (49A/G) of ctla-4 gene corresponds to an amino acid exchange (threonine to alanine) in the leader peptide of the expressed protein. There are reports concerning the higher level of G allele in subjects with various autoimmune diseases, which has resulted in the hypothesis that CTLA-4 may play a role in regulating self-tolerance by the immune system and in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders. This study was undertaken to investigate the correlation of exon 1 (49A/G) polymorphism in the ctla-4 gene and breast cancer. The ctla-4 49A/G polymorphism was studied in 197 women with primary breast cancer and 151 age/sex matched normal individuals. The results indicated a significant difference between frequency of ctla-4 genotypes in patients and controls. The frequency of GG genotype was significantly decreased in breast cancer patients compared to controls (4.6% v.s. 12.6%, P = 0.012). There was also a significant positive correlation between tumor size and the existence of AA genotype in patients (P = 0.016). In addition, a positive correlation between AA genotype and lymph node involvement was observed (P = 0.042). The observed decrease in the frequency of GG genotype in the breast cancer patients is contrary to the frequently reported increase of GG genotype in autoimmune diseases. In addition, the data implies that polymorphism of ctla-4 exon 1 contributes in tumor progression.