Asthma-related SNP in FCER2 is associated with increased expression of IL-4R on human B cells.

A SNP (rs2228137) (R62W) in FCER2 has been linked with severe exacerbations in asthmatics. Transfectants expressing the SNP exhibited increased IL-4Rα expression after stimulation through CD23 compared with wild-type. Our data suggest that the SNP may favour increased IgE production through increased responsiveness to IL-4 in patients possessing this genotype.