Association of KIR Genes and MHC Class I Ligands with Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic illness that is associated with immune dysregulation. NK cell function has previously been associated with AD. NK cells directly interact with polymorphic HLA class I ligand variants using killer cell Ig-like receptors (KIRs). The purpose of this study was to identify potential associations between NK cell function and AD by evaluating variation in the presence of KIR genes as well as KIR gene interactions with the appropriate HLA class I KIR-specific ligands. Human DNA from the genetics of AD case-control study was used to genotype HLA class I KIR-specific ligands and the presence of KIR genes. In the full cohort, an increased risk of AD was noted for (1.51 [1.13, 2.01]), (1.72 [1.26, 2.34]), and 2DS1 (1.41 [1.04, 1.91]). Individuals with or and the HLA-CC2 epitope were at an increased risk of AD (1.74 [1.21, 2.51] and 1.48 [1.04, 2.12], respectively). The HLA-B-21T (TT) leader sequence increased the risk of AD across ethnicity. African Americans with , , , and are more likely to have AD, and the risk increased for and in the presence of appropriate HLA-C C2 epitope. The risk of AD also increased for individuals with the HLA-B*-21T leader sequence. Future studies should focus on gene allelic variation as well as consider cell-based measurements of KIR and the associated HLA class I epitopes.