A non-synonymous polymorphism in galectin-3 lectin domain is associated with allergic reactions to beta-lactam antibiotics

Pharmacogenomics J. 2016 Feb;16(1):79-82. doi: 10.1038/tpj.2015.24. Epub 2015 Apr 14.

Abstract

Genetic predictors of beta-lactam (BL) allergy are mostly related to Immunoglobulin E (IgE) synthesis and atopy. Despite this context, little attention has been devoted to genes of IgE/FcɛRI pathway, such as galectin-3, a β-galactoside-binding lectin, which binds to IgE. We evaluated the association of LGALS3 polymorphisms with BL allergy in 395 Spanish and 198 Italian cases, compared with 310- and 339-matched controls, respectively. The rs11125 predicted BL allergy with an odds ratio of 4.0 in Spanish population (P<0.0001). This association was replicated with an odds ratio of 5.1 in Italian population (P<0.0001); rs11125 predicted also increased serum level of total IgE in Spanish controls. These data are consistent with the predicted deleterious influence of Gln>His substitution produced by rs11125 on galactose-binding activity of galectin-3. In conclusion, LGALS3 is the strongest genetic predictor of BL allergy reported so far. This association reflects the influence of genes of IgE/FcɛRI pathway in this pathology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects*
  • Blood Proteins
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / genetics*
  • Exons
  • Female
  • Galectin 3 / genetics*
  • Galectins
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity, Immediate / genetics
  • Immunoglobulin E / blood
  • Italy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Spain
  • beta-Lactams / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Blood Proteins
  • Galectin 3
  • Galectins
  • LGALS3 protein, human
  • beta-Lactams
  • Immunoglobulin E