Genetic polymorphism of rs9277535 in HLA-DP associated with rheumatoid arthritis and anti-CCP production in a Chinese population

HLA-II molecules are critical in triggering human immune response, especially in activating CD4+ T cells. HLA-DP, belonging to HLA-II molecules, draws increasing attention for its role in presentation of viral antigen and autoantigen to T cells. Researches reported single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of HLA-DP associated with HBV infection and autoimmune diseases such as SLE. However, little is known about the relationship between HLA-DP and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Rs9277535 is located in 3′ UTR region of HLA-DPB1, a subunit of HLA-DP, and was reported to affect HLA-DP mRNA expression. In the present study, we explored the relationship between gene polymorphism of rs9277535 in HLA-DPB1 and RA susceptibility and progression. Samples from 254 patients with RA and 391 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were collected and genotyped by a polymerase chain reaction-high-resolution melting (PCR-HRM) assay. Serological tests (anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, C-reactive protein, anti-keratin antibody) were detected by laboratory assays. Strong association was observed between SNP rs9277535 in HLA-DP and RA susceptibility (allele frequency distribution: OR = 1.409, 95%CI = 1.121–1.773, P = 0.004). Further validation was provided by disease model analysis (recessive model: OR = 1.889, 95%CI = 1.194–2.990, P = 0.008; dominant model: OR = 1.464, 95%CI = 1.050–2.041, P = 0.025; additive model: OR = 2.208, 95%CI = 1.335–3.652, P = 0.003). Allele A was correlated to increased risk of RA. Serological test results demonstrated patients carrying allele A of rs9277535 had elevated serum anti-CCP antibody level. The present study provided evidence that HLA-DP gene polymorphism associated with RA susceptibility. Allele A of rs9277535 in HLA-DP correlated to increased risk of RA and elevated serum anti-CCP level.