Abstract |
Several different lines of evidence have demonstrated that inherited susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with the DRB1 genes encoding the HLA-DR4 and HLA-DR1 molecules. A contrasting hypothesis has recently been proposed, suggesting that, in general, the DRB1 locus is associated with protection to RA and that the RA-associated DRB1 alleles are not responsible for the primary disease association but merely permissive for the susceptibility conferred by the HLA-DQ alleles with which they are in linkage disequilibrium. We have performed a critical review of the literature on the HLA association in RA with special emphasis on studies in which both an HLA-DR and -DQ association has been investigated. Our analyses provide strong evidence against the hypothesis that HLA-DQ molecules play a major role in the general susceptibility to RA. Thus, the strongest association in rheumatoid arthritis is with DRB1 genes rather than DQB1 genes.
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Authors | L Fugger, A Svejgaard |
Journal | Tissue antigens
(Tissue Antigens)
Vol. 50
Issue 5
Pg. 494-500
(Nov 1997)
ISSN: 0001-2815 [Print] England |
PMID | 9389324
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)
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Chemical References |
- HLA-DQ Antigens
- HLA-DQ7 antigen
- HLA-DQ8 antigen
- HLA-DR4 Antigen
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Topics |
- Alleles
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid
(genetics, immunology)
- Genetic Predisposition to Disease
- HLA-DQ Antigens
(genetics)
- HLA-DR4 Antigen
(genetics)
- Humans
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