The role of KIR2DS1 in multiple sclerosis--KIR in Portuguese MS patients

J Neuroimmunol. 2014 Apr 15;269(1-2):52-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2014.01.009. Epub 2014 Jan 28.

Abstract

Killer Immunoglobulin-like Receptor (KIR) genes may influence both resistance and susceptibility to different autoimmune diseases, but their role in the pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is still unclear. We investigated the influence of KIR genes on MS susceptibility in 447 MS Portuguese patients, and also whether genetic interactions between specific KIR genes and their HLA class I ligands could contribute to the pathogenesis of MS. We observed a negative association between the activating KIR2DS1 gene and MS (adjusted OR=0.450, p=0.030) independently from the presence of HLA-DRB1*15 allele. The activating KIR2DS1 receptor seems to confer protection against MS most probably through modulation of autoreactive T cells by Natural Killer cells.

Keywords: KIR; Multiple Sclerosis; Natural killer cells; Portugal.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / epidemiology*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / genetics*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / metabolism
  • Portugal / epidemiology
  • Receptors, KIR / genetics*
  • Receptors, KIR / metabolism
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • KIR2DS1 protein, human
  • Receptors, KIR