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

Summary 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 β chain of the high‐affinity receptor for IgE (FcεRI‐β) is located. Objective To evaluate the association between FcεRI‐mediated histamine release from basophils and four bi‐allelic single nucleotide polymorphisms of the FcεRI‐β 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 FcεRI‐β 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 FcεRI‐β gene in the expression of high affinity IgE receptor‐mediated histamine release from basophils.