Genetic associations of variants of the high affinity receptor for immunoglobulin E in Wegener’s granulomatosis

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) and the high affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) have been suggested to contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders. Their role in Wegener’s granulomatosis (WG) are, however, poorly recognized. We sought a genetic association between laboratory markers for the disease, i.e. anti‑proteinase 3 antibodies (anti‑PR3), anti‑myeloperoxidase antibodies, anti‑cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies, C‑reactive protein (CRP), C3c and C4 complement components, and total serum IgE levels in WG subjects with common genetic variants of FcεRI subunits. Anti‑PR3 and CRP and serum IgE levels showed significant associations, while complement components tended to be associated, with −18483A>C and/or –344C>T FCER1A (FcεRI α‑subunit gene) polymorphisms. Moreover, a correlation between –109T>C FCER1B (FcεRI β‑subunit gene) genotypes and serum IgE was observed. Both WG specific auto‑antibodies and other blood inflammatory markers displayed correlations with serum total IgE levels and genetic variants of the high affinity receptor for this immunoglobulin. This observation suggests a functional relantionship of FcεRI in the regulation of autoimmune response observed in WG.