Strong association of TLR2 and TLR3 polymorphisms with keratoacanthoma and common warts: a case-control study

Abstract

Aim: To determine variations in allele and genotype frequencies between keratoacanthoma (KA) and common warts (CW), compared with the control group, in three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the TLR2, TLR3, and TLR9 genes.

Methods: This case-control study involved samples from 161 patients with KA, 152 patients with CW, and 469 controls. DNA was isolated from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections. Three SNPs - rs4696480 in TLR2, rs7657186 in TLR9, and rs35213 in TLR3 - were genotyped with TaqMan Genotyping Assays on the 7500 Real-Time PCR System.

Results: TLR2 rs4696480 and TLR3 rs7657186 were significantly overrepresented in KA and CW compared with controls (P<0.001). The association was stronger for CW than for KA, as evidenced by higher frequencies of the A allele and AA genotype for rs4696480. Both KA and CW patients had higher frequencies of the G allele and GG genotype for rs7657186 than controls. rs7657186 was moderately associated with KA and CW, with the G allele and GG genotype being more prevalent in CW cases, where no AA homozygotes were found.

Conclusion: Genetic variants in TLR2 (rs4696480) and TLR3 (rs7657186) genes may affect KA and CW development, influencing immune responses and susceptibility to these skin lesions. Further research is required to elucidate TLR expression patterns and their role in KA development.