HLA-C -35kb expression SNP is associated with differential control of β-HPV infection in squamous cell carcinoma cases and controls

PLoS One. 2014 Aug 1;9(8):e103710. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0103710. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) 35 kb upstream of the HLA-C gene is associated with HLA-C expression, and the high expressing genotype (CC) has been associated with HIV-I control. HLA-C is unique among the classical MHC class I molecules for its role in the control of viral infections and recognition of abnormal or missing self. This immunosurveillance is central to the pathogenesis of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), and of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in particular. While sun exposure is a major risk factor for these cancers, cutaneous infections with genus β-HPV have been implicated in the development of SCC. We hypothesized that the high expression HLA-C genotype is associated with β-HPV infections. Therefore, we investigated the association between β-HPV serology and the -35 kb SNP (rs9264942) in a population-based case-control study of 510 SCC cases and 608 controls. Among controls, the high expression -35 kb SNP genotype (CC) reduced the likelihood of positive serology for multiple (≥2) β-HPV infections (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.25-0.97), and β-HPV species 2 infection (OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.23-0.79). However, no association with β-HPV status was observed among SCC cases. Our findings suggest that underlying immunogenotype plays an important role in differential control of β-HPV in SCC cases and controls.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Betapapillomavirus / pathogenicity*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / genetics*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / virology*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • HLA-C Antigens / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Papillomavirus Infections / genetics*
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide / genetics*

Substances

  • HLA-C Antigens