HLA associations in fibrotic disease.
HLA antigens have been associated with a wide variety of human diseases. In general these associations are not absolute in the way that classical genetic disorders are. Thus although the association between ankylosing spondylitis and HLA-B27 has been known for 11 years we are not able to define a closer genetic marker for the disease or indeed to define the mechanism by which B27 is involved with the disease process. This paper indicates the major disease associations with HLA antigens and compares them with those found in fibrotic disease. Some attempt is made to localize the position in the disease process where HLA might play a role. The aim of studies of HLA associations often includes the identification of at-risk groups in the hope of being able to apply selective preventive measures. Some progress along this path has been made and is outlined.
D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000276:immunology; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D004787:Environmental Pollution; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex
D006680:HLA Antigens