HLA and T-cell receptor gene polymorphisms in Guillain-Barré syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
We examined a possible involvement of genetic factors influencing the development of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).


METHODS
We studied T-cell receptor (TCR), alpha-chain constant (AC), and beta-chain variable (BV) gene polymorphisms using microsatellite markers and serologic HLA class I antigens, HLA-DRB1, and HLA-DQB1 alleles in 81 Japanese patients with GBS and 87 controls.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences in these genetic markers between GBS patients and controls. Subgrouping of GBS patients according to recent Campylobacter jejuni infection, the presence of anti-GM1 antibody in the sera, or their combinations also failed to reveal significant associations with these genetic markers. There was, however, a tendency for an increased frequency of HLA-DRB1*0803 in the C. jejuni + GM1 + GBS group, when compared with controls.


CONCLUSIONS
The data suggest that the roles of TCRAC, T-cell receptor beta-chain variable (TCRBV), HLA class I or class II in the development of GBS are not critical, and further research is necessary to clarify other genes encoded within the HLA region for genetic susceptibility to GBS.
Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center, Utano National Hospital, Kyoto, Japan.
J J
JJ
Ma
M
M
Nishimura
H
H
Mine
S
S
Kuroki
M
M
Nukina
M
M
Ohta
H
H
Saji
H
H
Obayashi
T
T
Saida
H
H
Kawakami
T
T
Uchiyama
D002169:Campylobacter Infections / Q000150:complications; D016123:Campylobacter jejuni; D005677:G(M1) Ganglioside / Q000276:immunology; D005805:Genes, MHC Class I; D005802:Genes, MHC Class II; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011129:Polyradiculoneuropathy / Q000235:genetics*; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000235:genetics*; D012703:Serotyping
D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D005677:G(M1) Ganglioside