TSLPR gene polymorphism is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus in the Korean population

B cell- and T cell-intrinsic regulation of germinal centers by thymic stromal lymphopoietin signaling

Long-lived and high-affinity antibodies are derived from germinal center (GC) activity, but the cytokines that regulate GC function are still being identified. Here, we show that thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) signaling regulates the GC and the magnitude of antigen-specific antibody responses. Both GC B cells and T follicular helper (T_FH) cells up-regulate the expression of surface TSLP receptor (TSLPR), but cell-specific loss of TSLPR results in distinct effects on GC formation and antibody production. TSLPR signaling on T cells supports the retention of antigen-specific B cells and T_FH differentiation, whereas TSLPR in B cells regulates the generation of antigen-specific memory B cells. TSLPR in both cell types promotes interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) expression, which is important for efficient GC activity. Overall, we identified a previously unappreciated cytokine regulator of GCs and identified how this signaling pathway differentially regulates B and T cell responses in the GC.

TSLP and TSLP receptors variants are associated with smoking

Background

To search for new prevention markers for early detection of the diseases caused by tobacco, we aimed to investigate the polymorphisms in TSLP and TSLPRs associated with cigarette smoking in the Saudi population.

Materials and methods

Samples were collected from 177 smokers and 126 healthy controls. Three TSLP SNPs [rs3806933, rs2289276, and rs10043985], three TSLPR SNPs [rs36133495, rs36177645, and rs36139698], and two IL7R SNPs rs1053496 and rs12516866 were analyzed by genotyping.

Results

Two TSLP SNPs (rs10043985 and rs3806933) and one TSLPR SNP (rs36139698) showed significant correlations with smoking behavior, but not IL7R rs12516866 and rs1053496. rs10043985 showed a clear association with long‐term smoking regardless of daily cigarette consumption. rs2289276 was associated with short‐term smoking but not with daily cigarette consumption. rs3806933 was highly associated with different smoker subgroups. Rs36139698 was highly associated with long‐term smokers who consumed ≥20 cigarettes/day, and the “T” allele was associated only with individuals who smoked ≤20 cigarettes/day. Rs36139698 corresponds to a P195L substitution and produces a TSLPR mutant with a predicted ΔΔG increase of 2.15 kcal/mol and has a more stable structure than the wild‐type variant.

Conclusions

Investigating TSLP and TSLPR polymorphisms is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms underlying tobacco‐induced diseases.

The Association of the GABRP Polymorphisms with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit pi (GABRP) is involved in inhibitory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system. This gene encodes multisubunit chloride channels and is also expressed in numerous nonneuronal tissues such as the uterus and the ovaries. This study was aimed to validate whether the polymorphisms in the GABRP gene are associated with the susceptibility to systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The genotype frequencies of the rs929763, rs732157, and rs3805455 of the GABRP gene in SLE patients were significantly different from those of the control group (P < 0.0001, P = 0.05 and 0.002, resp.). Additional analysis showed that the genotype of the rs929763 and rs3805455 of the GABRP gene were also significantly associated with female SLE patients (P < 0.0001, P = 0.005, resp.). Two haplotype frequencies including a major haplotype of GABRP SNPs were more significantly different between the SLE patients and the healthy controls (P = 0.038 and 4.2E − 24, resp.). These results suggest that the polymorphisms in the GABRP gene might be associated with the susceptibility to SLE and the haplotype of GABRP SNPs is useful genetic marker for SLE.