Exploring the Causal Link Between Immune Cell Phenotypes and Asthma Through Two-Sample and Bayesian Weighted Mendelian Randomization

Abstract Objective: Using two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) and Bayesian Weighted Mendelian Randomization (BWMR), this study explores the causal links between 731 immune cell phenotypes and asthma, providing useful biomarkers for potential therapeutic targets for asthma. Methods: The study employed two-sample MR and BWMR to evaluate the causal relationships between 731 immune cell phenotypes and asthma, using large-scale Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) datasets to exclude confounding factors and conduct various sensitivity analyses. Results: The study conducted an in-depth analysis of the causal relationship between 731 immune cell phenotypes and asthma across three databases (ebi, finn, and ukb). Integrating the results from IVW and BWMR across these databases, we identified CD16+ monocyte %monocyte as a protective factor against asthma, whereas CD62L- myeloid Dendritic Cell Absolute Count, CD62L- myeloid Dendritic Cell %Dendritic Cell, CD62L- CD86+ myeloid Dendritic Cell Absolute Count, and CD62L- CD86+ myeloid Dendritic Cell %Dendritic Cell were identified as risk factors. Conclusion: Our research confirms that CD16+ monocyte %monocyte serves as a protective factor against asthma, while CD62L- myeloid Dendritic Cell Absolute Count, CD62L- myeloid Dendritic Cell %Dendritic Cell, CD62L- CD86+ myeloid Dendritic Cell Absolute Count, and CD62L- CD86+ myeloid Dendritic Cell %Dendritic Cell pose risks for asthma.