LAUSR

Abstract Background HLA molecules are inherited key molecules in the immune inflammation and specific responses to environmental pathogens. We investigated the association of HLA-A alleles with Varicella zoster virus (VZV) seropositivity in patients with atherosclerosis (AS). Materials and Methods Plasma Anti-VZV IgG and molecular HLA type were detected in 203 (100 AS+ and 103 AS−) individuals. Results Of 100 AS+ individuals, 66 were anti-VZV+ and 34 were anti-VZV−. Of 103 age/sex-matched AS− individuals, 59 were anti-VZV+ and 44 were anti-VZV−. Anti-VZV-IgG in AS+ cases was higher than AS− controls (p = .034). The mean anti-VZV IgG in HLA-A*02+AS+ individuals was higher than HLA-A*02+AS− controls (p < .001). HLA-A*02 was associated with VZV-seropositivity (p = .01) in AS+ patients. A higher frequency of HLA-A*02-allele in AS+ patients compared to AS− controls (p = .015) and an accumulation of HLA-A*02-allele in AS+ anti-VZV+ group (33.3%, p = .004) was observed. Conclusions HLA-A alleles and immune responses to VZV are associated with clinical atherosclerosis.