Coding single nucleotide polymorphism in the high-affinity immunoglobulin E receptor β chain (FcεRI-β) gene is associated with immunoglobulin E receptor-mediated histamine release from basophils

Background Our previous work on linkage analysis showed that histamine release from basophils to anti-IgE stimuli was linked to the gene marker of chromosome 11q13, where the beta chain of the high-affinity receptor for IgE (FcepsilonRI-beta) is located. Objective To evaluate the association between FcepsilonRI-mediated histamine release from basophils and four bi-allelic single nucleotide polymorphisms of the FcepsilonRI-beta gene. Methods Phenotypes of asthma, such as maximal histamine release from basophils and atopy, were measured from 80 randomly recruited asthmatic children. Polymorphisms of the FcepsilonRI-beta gene were determined by PCR-based methods. Results The polymorphism in exon 7, resulting in Glu to Gly substitution, was significantly associated with histamine release from basophils to anti-IgE stimuli, but not with total IgE levels and skin test responses to aeroallergens. Conclusion This study supports a role for the FcepsilonRI-beta gene in the expression of high affinity IgE receptor-mediated histamine release from basophils.