Contribution of CD14-159C/T polymorphism to tuberculosis susceptibility: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: CD14 plays an important role in recognising the tuberculosis (TB) antigen and initiating immune response. CD14-159C/T polymorphism has been reported to be associated with susceptibility to TB in some, but not all studies. OBJECTIVE: To comprehensively evaluate the correlation between CD14-159C/T polymorphism and susceptibility to TB. METHODS: Relevant studies from six English-language databases were searched up to 15 March 2013. Crude odd ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CIs) were calculated to assess the strength of associations. RESULTS: Eight eligible studies including 3583 subjects were retained for the meta-analysis. T-allele and TT homozygosis might increase TB risk in the overall analysis (T vs. C: OR 1.30, 95%CI 1.03-1.64, P = 0.03 and TT vs. CC+CT: OR 1.52, 95%CI 1.12-2.08, P = 0.01). Similar correlations were observed among human immunodeficiency virus negative subjects. Strong associations were also found between CD14-159C/T and TB in Asians. Asian individuals with the T-allele and the TT genotype had a significantly increased risk of TB (T vs. C: OR 1.46, 95%CI 1.27-1.68, P = 0.00; TT vs. CC: OR 1.83, 95%CI 1.38-2.44, P = 0.00 and TT vs. CC+CT: OR 1.84, 95%CI 1.55-2.19, P = 0.00). No associations were detected in the pulmonary TB and extra-pulmonary TB groups. CONCLUSION: CD14-159C/T contributes to TB susceptibility; the T-allele and TT homozygosis are potential risk factors, particularly in Asians.