Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of FCRL3 in Iranian Patients with Behcet's Disease.

Background: Both genetic and environmental factors influence, susceptibility to autoimmune disorders including Behcet's disease (BD). FCRL3 (Fc receptor like 3 genes), a novel immunoregulatory gene, has recently been reported as a new promising candidate gene for general autoimmunity. This study was conducted to explore the potential association of FCRL3 polymorphisms with BD.

Methods: This study was conducted from 2010 to 2015 in Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Four single-nucleotide polymorphisms of FCRL3 (rs7528684, rs11264799, rs945635, and rs3761959) were genotyped in 220 patients and 220 healthy controls. Typing of the polymorphisms in this case-control study was carried out using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.

Results: Analysis of the alleles revealed a significantly lower frequency of the A allele at the -169 site (rs7528684) in BD patients compared with that in controls (=0.000, 66.4% versus 82%, χ= 30.23). Moreover, a significant lower frequency of AA genotype and higher frequency of GG genotype was recorded for rs7528684. There was also relationship between posterior uveitis as a clinical sign of disease and polymorphism of allele A at the -169 site (=0.015).

Conclusion: This study revealed a significant difference in both allele and genotype frequency at position -169 of FCRL3 gene between Iranian patients with BD and normal subjects. These data suggest FCRL3 gene polymorphisms might be the autoimmunity risk factor for BD.