title: Recurrent herpes simplex virus-induced erythema multiforme: different HLA-DQB1 alleles associate with severe mucous membrane versus skin attacks.
abstract: In some individuals a local herpetic lesion precipitates a generalized inflammation of the skin, designated as erythema multiforme (EM). We determined the frequencies of the immune response genes of the HLA system by molecular HLA class II typing in 46 patients with EM and in many of their family members. Allele frequencies were correlated with disease form and disease-inducing factors. We found that specific complications of HSV infection occur preferentially in patients with certain HLA-DQB1 alleles. In 21 of the 46 patients EM was induced by recurrent HSV infection. Thirteen of these patients showing only minor or no involvement of mucous membranes had the HLA allele DQB1*0302 (phenotype frequency 61.9% versus 18.8% in controls, p corr = 0.0008) and all three patients with major involvement of mucous membranes had the rare HLA allele DQB1*0402 (phenotype frequency in controls 6,4%, p corr = 0.017).
authors.affiliation: Institute of Immunology, Universität München, Germany.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Malo
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kämpgen
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wank
mesh_terms: D000483:Alleles; D004892:Erythema Multiforme / Q000235:genetics* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000821:virology*; D005787:Gene Frequency; D005802:Genes, MHC Class II; D006683:HLA-DQ Antigens / Q000235:genetics*; D059848:HLA-DQ alpha-Chains; D059866:HLA-DQ beta-Chains; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000235:genetics; D059811:HLA-DRB1 Chains; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000503:physiopathology; D010641:Phenotype; D012008:Recurrence; D018139:Simplexvirus; D012867:Skin / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D006683:HLA-DQ Antigens; D059848:HLA-DQ alpha-Chains; D059866:HLA-DQ beta-Chains; C069050:HLA-DQA1 antigen; C069051:HLA-DQB1 antigen; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D059811:HLA-DRB1 Chains