Association of the rs3077 and rs9277535 polymorphisms in HLA-DP with hepatitis B virus infection and spontaneous clearance: A meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose. Owing to inconsistent observations in the literature of an association between HLA-DP polymorphisms (rs3077 and rs9277535) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and spontaneous clearance, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive and reliable understanding of this subject. This meta-analysis was performed to quantitatively summarise the evidence for the relevance of these HLA-DP polymorphisms to HBV infection and spontaneous clearance. Methods. A meta-analysis was conducted with the data from eight relevant papers published from April 2009 to March 2012, following strict selection. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for alleles, co-dominant, dominant and recessive genotype models of the rs3077 and rs9277535 loci. Results. Our analysis indicated a significant association of rs3077 and rs9277535 in HLA-DP with HBV infection, suggesting that these HLA-DP polymorphisms act beneficially against HBV infection (for rs3077, AG vs. GG: OR = 0.522, 95% CI = 0.485–0.561; AA vs. GG: OR = 0.350, 95% CI = 0.311–0.393; for rs9277535, AG vs. GG: OR = 0.542, 95% CI = 0.506–0.579; AA vs. GG: OR = 0.371, 95% CI = 0.336–0.409). Additionally, these HLA-DP polymorphisms served as protective factors in the spontaneous clearance of HBV (for rs3077, AG vs. GG: OR = 0.600, 95% CI = 0.464–0.775; AA vs. GG: OR = 0.420, 95% CI = 0.299–0.590; for rs9277535, AG vs. GG: OR = 0.623, 95% CI = 0.570–0.681 and AA vs. GG: OR = 0.464, 95% CI = 0.386–0.556) with similar results for both dominant and recessive genotype models. Conclusions. Our results demonstrated that the rs3077 and rs9277535 HLA-DP polymorphisms reduced HBV infection and increased the likelihood of spontaneous viral clearance in some Asian populations.

Key Words::

• chronic hepatitis B
• HLA-DP
• meta-analysis
• spontaneous clearance

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (30972516) and the Key Medical Guidance Topics of Health Department (20090320 and 20100033). Sources of support: National Basic Research Program of China (30972516), Key Medical Guidance Topics of Health Department (20090320, 20100033).

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.