Homozygosity for the toll-like receptor 2 R753Q single-nucleotide polymorphism is a risk factor for cytomegalovirus disease after liver transplantation

J Infect Dis. 2012 Feb 15;205(4):639-46. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jir819. Epub 2012 Jan 4.

Abstract

Immunity against cytomegalovirus (CMV) is initiated after its recognition by Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). We assessed the association between a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) that impairs TLR2 function and CMV disease in a cohort of 737 liver recipients. Ninety-two of 737 patients (7.1%, 10.9%, 12.3%, and 12.5% by 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively) developed CMV disease. Kaplan-Meier estimation demonstrated an association between TLR2 R753Q SNP homozygosity and CMV disease (P = .044), especially tissue-invasive CMV disease (P = .001). A multivariate Cox proportional hazard model that accounted for other significant predictors demonstrated a significant association between TLR2 R753Q SNP homozygosity and tissue-invasive CMV disease (hazard ratio, 3.407; 95% confidence interval, 1.518-7.644; P = .0029). In conclusion, homozygosity for TLR2 R753Q SNP is a marker for CMV disease risk, especially for tissue-invasive disease, after liver transplantation. This observation supports the critical role of TLR2 in the pathogenesis of CMV disease in humans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cohort Studies
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / genetics*
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / immunology
  • Female
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genetic Association Studies
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Homozygote*
  • Humans
  • Liver Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mutation, Missense*
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*
  • Toll-Like Receptor 2 / genetics*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • TLR2 protein, human
  • Toll-Like Receptor 2