Activating KIRs alter susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis in a South African population

Tuberculosis (Edinb). 2015 Dec;95(6):817-821. doi: 10.1016/j.tube.2015.09.003. Epub 2015 Oct 17.

Abstract

We investigate the role of killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genes and human leukocyte antigen class-I (HLA) variants in susceptibility to tuberculosis in a South African population. In a sample set comprising 408 TB cases and 351 healthy controls, we show that the KIR3DS1 gene and KIR genotypes with five or more activating KIRs, and the presence of 3DS1, protect against developing active TB in the South African Coloured population. Several HLA class-I alleles were identified as susceptibility factors for TB disease. However, none of the KIR-HLA compound genotypes were found to be associated with TB. Our data suggests that the KIR genes may play an important role in TB disease.

Keywords: HLA; KIR; Susceptibility; Tuberculosis.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / genetics
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / immunology
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / immunology
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / pathogenicity*
  • Phenotype
  • Protective Factors
  • Receptors, KIR / genetics*
  • Receptors, KIR / immunology
  • Risk Factors
  • South Africa
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / diagnosis
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / genetics*
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / immunology
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / microbiology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
  • Receptors, KIR