ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ATOPY AND VARIANTS OF THE BETA-SUBUNIT OF THE HIGH-AFFINITY IMMUNOGLOBULIN-E RECEPTOR

The beta-subunit of the high-affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilon RI-beta ) on chromosome 11 is maternally linked to atopy, the state of enhance d IgE responsiveness underlying allergic asthma and rhinitis. We have identified a common variant of Fc epsilon RI-beta, lle181Leu within th e 4th transmembrane domain. Leu181 shows significant association with positive IgE responses in a random patient sample. Amongst 60 unrelate d nuclear families with allergic asthmatic probands, Leu181 is identif ied in 10 (17%), is maternally inherited in each, and shows a strong a ssociation with atopy. Our data indicate that Fc epsilon RI-beta, subj ect to maternal modification, may be the atopy-causing locus on chromo some 11q.