Association analysis of IKZF4 gene with alopecia areata in Chinese Han population

Background: The IKZF4 gene encodes Eos, a zinc finger transcription factor that belongs to the Ikarosfamily. High expression of Eos on Treg cells is important for the suppression of autoimmune responses and immune homeostasis. It has been suggested that the SNP in IKZF4 may influence the pathogenesis of AA. Aims: and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between IKZF4 polymorphism and AA in Chinese Han population. Materials: and Methods: In this study, we examined 459 patients and 434 controls using HRM analysis and direct sequencing to assess.the rs1701704 polymorphism.. Results: : The prevalence of the C/C, A/C and A/A genotypes was 7.4%, 37.5% and 55.1%, respectively. There were significant differences in genotype distribution and allele frequencies between AA and control group (p<0.0001). The frequency of C allele in AA group was significantly higher(p<0.0001), and the frequencies of C allele and C/C genotype in patients with family history were higher (p<0.0001;p=0.001;). Conclusions: : The rs1701704 SNP of IKZF4 may be a genetic marker for assessing the risk of AA in Chinese Han population.