Association of a promoter polymorphism of the CD14 gene and atopy

Atopy is generally considered to be caused by interaction of genetic and en vironmental factors. Recently, an association of a C-to-T transition in the promoter region of the CD14 gene on chromosome 5q31.1 and atopic phenotype s was reported in a population study of school children in the United State s. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of the C allele of the CD14/-159 with phenotypes of atopy and asthma in an adult Du tch population in which linkage of total serum IgE and bronchial hyperrespo nsiveness to chromosome 5q31-33 is present. We studied 159 probands with as thma and 158 spouses as controls. Phenotypes for asthma (e,g., bronchial hy perresponsiveness, physician's diagnosis) and for atopy (e.g., total serum IgE level, intracutaneous skin test, allergic rhinitis) were studied. In th is population, homozygotes for the C allele had a higher number of positive skin tests and higher total serum IgE levels tin skin test-positive indivi duals) and subsequently, more self-reported allergic symptoms including rhi nitis and hay fever, compared with subjects with CT and TT alleles, We conc lude that the -159 C-to-T promoter polymorphism in the CD14 gene may result in expression of a more severe allergic phenotype.