Polymorphisms in toll-like receptor genes and susceptibility to pulmonary aspergillosis

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are important components of innate immunity. We investigated the association between polymorphisms in the TLR2, TLR4, and TLR9 genes and susceptibility to noninvasive forms of pulmonary aspergillosis. A significant association was observed between allele G on Asp299Gly (TLR4) and chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis (odds ratio [OR], 3.46; P = .003). Susceptibility to allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis was associated with allele C on T-1237C (TLR9) (OR, 2.49; P = .043). No particular polymorphism was associated with severe asthma with fungal sensitization. These findings reinforce the importance of innate immunity in the pathogenesis of different forms of aspergillosis. © 2008 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved.