Increased frequency of HLA-A*02 in patients with atherosclerosis is associated with VZV seropositivity

Background: HLA molecules are inherited key molecules in the immune inflammation and specific responses to environmental pathogens. We investigated the association of HLA-A alleles with Varicella zoster virus (VZV) seropositivity in patients with atherosclerosis (AS). Materials and Methods: Plasma Anti-VZV IgG and molecular HLA type were detected in 203 (100 AS(+) and 103 AS(-)) individuals. Results: Of 100 AS(+) individuals, 66 were anti-VZV(+) and 34 were anti-VZV(-). Of 103 age/sex-matched AS(-) individuals, 59 were anti-VZV(+) and 44 were anti-VZV(-). Anti-VZV-IgG in AS(+) cases was higher than AS(-) controls (p = .034). The mean anti-VZV IgG in HLA-A*02(+)AS(+) individuals was higher than HLA-A*02(+)AS(-) controls (p < .001). HLA-A*02 was associated with VZV-seropositivity (p = .01) in AS(+) patients. A higher frequency of HLA-A*02-allele in AS(+) patients compared to AS(-) controls (p = .015) and an accumulation of HLA-A*02-allele in AS(+) anti-VZV(+) group (33.3%, p = .004) was observed. Conclusions: HLA-A alleles and immune responses to VZV are associated with clinical atherosclerosis.

Automated summary

HLA-A alleles, particularly HLA-A*02, are associated with Varicella zoster virus (VZV) seropositivity in patients with atherosclerosis (AS). AS patients with the HLA-A*02 genotype have higher levels of anti-VZV IgG compared to AS patients without this genotype. This indicates a link between HLA-A alleles and immune responses to VZV in clinical atherosclerosis.