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Negative association between the chemokine receptor CCR5-Δ32 polymorphism and rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis

Genes & Immunity volume 7, pages 264–268 (2006)Cite this article

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by synovial inflammation mediated by T-cells, monocytes and macrophages. The homing of these cells to the inflamed synovium is regulated by chemokine-receptors and their ligands. A 32-basepair deletion (Δ32) in the gene encoding CCR5, a chemokine-receptor, results in a non-functional receptor. A negative association between CCR5-Δ32 and RA has been described, although other studies found no associations. Furthermore, the observation that individuals homozygous for CCR5-Δ32 develop RA has raised questions about the role of CCR5-Δ32. This meta-analysis of all published case–control association studies confirms the negative association between CCR5-Δ32 and RA (Odds Ratio=0.65; 95% confidence intervals=0.55–0.77; P<0.0001), suggesting that CCR5-Δ32 is protective against the development of RA. CCR5 blockade in animal models of RA results in amelioration of arthritis, suggesting that CCR5 blockade could also modify disease in patients with RA.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by grants from The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (K23 AR50177), The National Center for Research Resources (M01-RR00064), The Val A Browning Charitable Foundation, and the Children's Health Research Center, Salt Lake City, UT. We would like to acknowledge Lynn Jorde PhD, Department of Human Genetics for critical review of the manuscript and suggestions for analysis.

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  1. Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA

    S Prahalad

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Prahalad, S. Negative association between the chemokine receptor CCR5-Δ32 polymorphism and rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis. Genes Immun 7, 264–268 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.gene.6364298

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