To investigate whether selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miR-146a, miR-196a2, miR-27a, miR-26a-1, miR-124 and miR-149 genes are associated with immune response to hepatitis B vaccine. The genotype and allele frequencies of SNPs were compared between the non-responders (n=77) and responders (n=207). The associations of the genotypes with antibody levels were assessed in the responders. Significant associations were observed between SNPs in miR-146a and miR-26a-1 genes and non-response to hepatitis B vaccine (p<0.05). In addition, SNPs in miR-146a and miR-27a genes were associated with variations in levels of antibodies to hepatitis B antigen. Thus, specific SNPs in microRNAs (miRNAs) genes may affect status of the hepatitis B vaccine induced protective humoral immune response. They also suggest that the three miRNAs play a role in modulating antibody responses to hepatitis B vaccine.
Keywords: antibody; hepatitis B vaccine; immune response; miRNA; polymorphisms.