| Abstract: | Objective. To determine whether an allelic form of mannose-binding protein (MBP) incapable of activating complement is associated with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods. MBP allele frequencies were determined by amplification refractory mutation system–polymerase chain reaction in 102 white SLE patients and 136 controls. Results. The MBP allele that is unable to activate complement was present in 42 SLE patients (41%) and in 41 controls (30%) (P = 0.08, odds ratio [OR] = 1.6, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.0–2.8). The gene frequency of this allele was 0.25 in SLE patients and 0.19 in controls (P = 0.08, OR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.0–2.3). Conclusion. Our results suggest that this allele of the MBP gene represents a minor risk factor for SLE. |
