Polymorphisms of the toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) gene (Arg677Trp, Arg753Gln) and the TLR4 gene (Asp299Gly, Thr399Ile) were investigated in 205 tuberculosis (TB) patients and 203 controls.
We found a greater risk of developing active tuberculosis as well as a reduction in CD4 T-cell counts in patients with the Asp299Gly TLR4 polymorphism.
In conclusion, our data suggest that TLR4 (D299G and T399I) and TNF (-308G/A) genetic polymorphisms may influence the risk of developing tuberculosis after exposure to Mycobacterium.
Our data suggest that TLR4 Asp299Gly has no influence on monocyte LPS responses or susceptibility to TB in Gambians and could be an ancient neutral polymorphism.