Association of FoxP3 polymorphism with allograft outcome in renal transplantation

Abstract

Background. FoxP3 is the most reliable marker for regulatory T cells which play an important role in maintaining tolerance of renal allograft. Recently, FoxP3 gene polymorphisms have been reported to be associated with graft survival in renal transplantation. Methods. We analyzed the association of FoxP3 polymorphisms (rs3761548A/C, rs2280883C/T, rs5902434del/ATT, and rs2232365A/G) and graft outcome by polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) on 231 adult renal transplantation recipients performed during the period of 1996-2004 in Seoul National University Hospital. Results. Patients with rs2280883 TT genotype showed lower acute rejection rate compared to CC or CT genotype (26.9% vs 53.3%, P = 0.038). Patients with rs3761548 CC genotype showed better graft survival compared to AC or AA genotype (log rank test, P = 0.03). Patients with rs2280883 TT genotype showed better graft survival compared to CT or CC genotype (P = 0.02). Patients with rs3761548 CC genotype showed lower rate or recurrence of underlying glomerular disease compared to AC or AA genotype (P = 0.01). Conclusion. FoxP3 polymorphism rs3761548 CC and rs2280883 TT genotypes were associated with superior graft outcome of renal transplantation in Koreans. Further studies are needed in larger number of patients.