Pivotal role of interleukin 27 serum level and missense variant (rs181206) in multiple sclerosis

The incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) has increased in recent years. Its pathogenesis involves the interaction between various elements, with interleukin 27 (IL-27) playing a key role in autoimmunity. The presence of the IL-27 receptor on astrocytes emphasizes its involvement in the disease's progression. PURPOSE: The study aims to investigate possible associations between IL27 rs181206, serum level of IL27, and the development of MS. METHODS: The study comprised 70 MS patients and 70 seemingly healthy controls. They were genotyped for IL27 rs181206 using the Taqman allelic discrimination approach, and their serum IL27 levels were estimated using ELISA. RESULTS: The frequency of TT genotype, T allele, and IL27 serum level were significantly higher among MS patients compared to controls. There was no significant difference between IL27 serum levels among different genotypes in both MS patients and controls; however, individuals with TT genotype showed higher levels of IL27 than those with CC genotype. CONCLUSION: TT genotype and T allele can increase the risk of developing MS. On the other hand, carrying the C allele may be associated with a lower risk of MS development. Understanding IL27 genetics and epistatic interactions can help clarify IL27's role in MS pathogenesis and utilize it as a therapeutic target.