Genetic basis of systemic lupus erythematosus.
Recent studies have emphasized that systemic lupus erythematosus is a complex genetic trait with contributions from the MHC and multiple non-MHC genes. Genome-wide linkage studies in murine models of lupus have mapped the positions of a number of non-MHC loci, but the contributing genes have not yet been identified. Recent studies in human systemic lupus erythematosus have found an association with a particular FCGR2A allele. Although susceptibility genes in lupus are unlikely to involve mutations with severe functional consequences, murine knockout models that develop lupus-like features may provide insight into the pathogenetic mechanisms and contributing genes in the human disease.
Vyse
T J
TJ
Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, Denver, CO 80206, USA.
Kotzin
B L
BL
D000818:Animals; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000235:genetics*