The association between killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor-ligand (KIR-L) and breast cancer risk among the Kermanshahi women

Background

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common causes of cancer death globally, with a 0.5% increasing incidence per year. Natural killer cells (NK) have a crucial function in immune surveillance mechanisms, which recognize class I human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules, expressed on the target cells, through their membrane receptors, called killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR). Impaired NK cell anti-tumor immunity has particular relevance with BC progression and metastases. KIRs are the most polymorphic receptors of NK cells that modulate NK cell activity against malignant cells through their interactions with their cognate HLA ligands.

Materials and methods

Considering this issue, we conducted this study to survey the impact of HLA class I variegation on the susceptibility to the development of BC in Kermanshahi women. In our study, the presence of HLA-C1 and HLAC2 allotypes, HLA-B Bw4 and Bw6 dimorphism, as well as HLA-A Bw4 group, were detected using polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers in 52 patients with breast cancer living in Kermanshah province (Iran) and 40 healthy subjects.

Results

Here, we found that the presence of HLA-C1 allotype and HLAC1/HLAC2 genotype was significantly reduced in breast cancer patients compared to the healthy controls (P = 0.041, P = 0.005 respectively). No significant differences were found for HLA-C2, HLA-B Bw4 groups, HLA-B Bw6, and HLA-A Bw4, as well as their genotype.

Conclusion

Our results indicated the protective role for HLA-C1allotype and HLAC1/HLAC2 genotype in healthy subjects compared to patients with breast cancer.