Since the three SNPs in the promoter region of the DNase II gene could affect in vivo DNase II activity through reduction of the promoter activity, it is feasible to identify these SNPs susceptible to RA.
Intriguingly, homozygosity for the RA associated DNASE2 -1066 G allele had an additive effect on the disease susceptibility conferred by the wt allele of CCR5 (OR = 2.24, P = 0.0051 for carrier of both RA associated alleles)
The association of DNASE2 -1066 GG homozygosity with RA was limited to rheumatoid factor-positive disease, but was not influenced by the presence of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide or antinuclear antibodies.