Association of CD32-131H>R Polymorphism with End-Stage COPD and Interstitial Lung Diseases

Introduction: Progression to end-stage lung diseases is influenced by both environmental and genetic factors, yet predictive markers remain limited. The CD32-131H>R polymorphism in the FCGR2A gene alters the affinity of the FcγRIIa receptor for IgG and may impair immune clearance, potentially influencing immune responses involved in chronic lung disease. In our study, we investigated the association between the CD32-131H>R polymorphism and end-stage pulmonary diseases requiring LTX. Methods: The CD32-131H>R polymorphism was determined in 985 lung transplant recipients and 2,116 matched controls via TaqMan genotyping assays. Results: The low-affinity CD32-131R allele was significantly more prevalent among lung transplant recipients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and interstitial lung diseases (ILD) compared to controls (p<0.0001 and p=0.01, respectively). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that the CD32-131R allele is enriched among patients with end-stage COPD and ILD requiring LTX, highlighting a possible association between Fcγ receptor-mediated immune responses and end-stage pulmonary disease.