Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published online 2026-4
rs6897932 (C>T) and rs987106 (A>T) variants in the IL7RA gene are correlated with the susceptibility and the clinical features of systemic lupus erythematosus
The dysfunction of interleukin-7 receptor alpha (IL-7Rα), which is encoded by the IL7RA gene, has been implicated in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between two specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL7RA gene—rs6897932 (C>T) and rs987106 (A>T)—and the risk of developing SLE.
Methods
Blood samples were obtained from 105 Iranian individuals diagnosed with SLE and 105 healthy Iranian controls. The genotyping of these SNPs was carried out using the high-resolution melting (HRM) technique.
Results
Analysis using a dominant model revealed that the combined frequencies of the CT and TT genotypes for rs6897932 were associated with a decreased risk of SLE (P = .009). Additionally, the T allele was found to be significantly less frequent in the patient cohort compared to the healthy controls (P = .005). Among laboratory parameters, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were the only significant difference observed between patients with the CC genotype and those with CT or TT genotypes (P = .007). In contrast, an assessment of various inheritance models for rs987106 did not indicate any significant association with SLE risk (P > .05), nor was there a statistically significant difference in the frequency of the T allele between the two groups (P = .434). However, the TT genotype of rs987106 was significantly correlated with elevated serum levels of anti-dsDNA antibodies and creatinine, as well as an increased number of patients displaying renal involvement.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that the T allele of rs6897932 in the IL7RA may provide a protective effect against the development of SLE. Although no significant association was found between rs987106 and SLE risk, it may still contribute to the disease’s etiopathology, particularly concerning renal complications.
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