Genome-wide association study identifies 17 new loci influencing concentrations of circulating cytokines and growth factors

Abstract

Circulating cytokines and growth factors are regulators of inflammation and have been implicated in autoimmune and metabolic diseases. In this genome-wide association study (GWAS) up to n=8,293 Finns we identified 27 loci with genome-wide association (P-value<1.2x10-9) for one or more cytokines, including 17 unidentified in previous GWASes. Fifteen of the associated SNPs had expression quantitative trait loci in whole blood. We provide strong genetic instruments to clarify the causal roles of cytokine signaling and upstream inflammation in immune-related and other chronic diseases. We further link known autoimmune disease variants including Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis and ulcerative colitis with new inflammatory markers, which elucidate the molecular mechanisms underpinning these diseases and suggest potential drug targets.