KIR Allelic Variation and the Remission of Atopic Dermatitis Over Time

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic skin disease. Although generally thought to be a disease of T-cell dysregulation, recent studies have suggested that immune dysregulation of NK cells is also important. Killer cell Ig-like receptors (KIRs) are involved with NK cell regulation. The Pediatric Eczema Elective Registry is a U.S. nationwide longitudinal cohort with up to 10 y of follow-up in which 655 children had DNA available for full allelic KIR sequencing. Every 6 mo, AD activity was reported by Pediatric Eczema Elective Registry children. Using generalized estimating equations, we evaluated the association of KIR allelic variation in concert with known HLA binding ligands and whether the child reported AD in “remission” (no skin lesions and not using AD medication). KIR2DS4*001:01 (odds ratio 0.53, 95% CI [0.32, 0.88]) and KIR2DL4*001:02 (0.54, [0.33, 0.89]) in the presence of C*04:01 had the largest effect on decreasing the likelihood of AD remission. The haplotype KIR 2DL4*001:02 ∼ 2DS4*001:01 ∼ 3DL2*002:01 (0.77, [0.60, 0.99]) was also associated with a decreased likelihood of AD remission. Our findings add to the general body of evidence of a growing literature on the importance of NK cells with respect to the immunopathogenesis and natural history of AD.