Polymorphisms of toll like receptors in the genetics of severe RSV associated diseases

摘要

Abstract. Toll like receptors (TLRs) are an essential part of the innate immune response. So far, ten different TLRs were identifiednin humans. They recognize a wide range of microbial and viral pathogens. Infection by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is stillna major health problem, about 2% of all children are hospitalised due to RSV bronchiolitis during their first 2 years of live. TLR4nhas already been described in association with RSV associated diseases by us and others.nThus we were interested whether other TLRs are also involved in the genetics of severe RSV infection. We genotyped 19npolymorphisms in the autosomal TLRs, these are TLR1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9 and 10. Association analyses by the Armitage’s Trend testnrevealed weak association of one TLR9 promoter polymorphism with RSV infection (p = 0.013). In addition, association wasnfound with TLR10 haplotypes (p = 0.024).nWe conclude from our data – that – although we can not rule out a minor involvement of TLR9 polymorphism and TLR10nhaplotypes – TLRs other than TLR4 do not play a major role in the genetics of severe RSV associated diseases. Future studiesnshould focus on additional genes of the innate immune response.