TLR9 2848 G/A Gene Polymorphism in HCV plus , HIV plus , and HCV plus /HIV plus Individuals

Background: Host genetic factors have a major impact on susceptibility to infections. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and their polymorphisms affect infectious diseases once they are directly involved in immune responses. The 2848 G/A variant (rs352140) of the TLR9 gene is associated with increased TLR9 expression. However, the impact of rs352140 on HIV+, HCV+, and HCV+/HIV+ individuals is still debated.Materials and Methods: This study investigated the 2848 G/A polymorphism in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and HCV/HIV coinfection in a large sample of Brazilians (n = 1182). Groups were compared without considering stratification by ethnicity and subsequently stratifying individuals into groups of whites and nonwhites.Results: Considering nonwhite individuals, a significant difference between the HIV+/HCV+ group and controls was observed (p = 0.023; GG genotype as a protective factor). In addition, significant allele differences were observed between the HCV+ group and controls (p = 0.042), between the HIV+/HCV+ group and controls (p = 0.011), and between the HIV+/HCV+ group and HIV+ individuals (p = 0.047). However, all significant results are lost if adjustment by multiple comparisons is applied (p > 0.05).Conclusions: Although our initial results indicate a potential influence of rs352140 on altered host susceptibility to viral infections, no statistical influence of polymorphism on protection from/susceptibility to infections was observed in Brazilians if adjustment by multiple comparisons is considered.