Polymorphism in MHC Class II Transactivator Gene is Not Associated with Susceptibility to Colorectal Cancer in Swedish Patients

Background: Reduced expression of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) genes in colorectal cancer (CRC) has been reported. MHC-II transactivator (CIITA), encoded by the MHC2TA gene, is considered to be the master regulator for MHC-II gene expression. A functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) -168A → G in the promoter region of the MHC2TA gene is suggested to have an influence on different autoimmune diseases. Patients and Methods: Our study was performed to evaluate the association between the -168A → G MHC2TA gene variant in patients with CRC versus a control group. Using the TaqMan system, this SNP was screened in 248 CRC patients and 256 controls. Results: No significant difference in genotype distribution or in allelic frequencies was found between the two groups, nor any association with clinical characteristics. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that -168A → G polymorphism of the MHC2TA gene is not associated with susceptibility to CRC.