The effect of SNPs on candidate gene expression
To explore whether the three loci affect the expression of the corresponding gene mRNA, we tested the biological function of various genetic variants. This was performed by measuring the expression ofIL2RA in anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibody stimulated PBMCs obtained from healthy controls since the presence of immunosuppressive drug treatment in GD patients might affect gene expression. Studies revealed that the rs2104286 locus risk AA genotype individuals showed a significantly decreased IL2RA mRNA compared with those with the protective AG genotype (P =, Figure 1). No significant difference was observed in the IL2RA mRNA expression among various genotype individuals at the IL2RA /rs3118470 locus in anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibody-stimulated PBMC from healthy controls (P >0.05, Figure S1).