A molecular insight on the association of HLA-B27 with spondyloarthropathies.
This article focuses on molecular studies concerning HLA-B27 and their relevance for its pathogenetic role in spondyloarthropathy. The peptide binding and T-cell antigen presenting properties of HLA-B27 are discussed, mainly in connection with differential subtype association to ankylosing spondylitis. Molecular studies in transgenic rodents are also considered, with an emphasis on their relevance to the various pathogenetic mechanisms. Recent studies on the putative role of HLA-B27 in bacteria-host interactions are also discussed, as they suggest another level of implication of HLA-B27 in disease whose molecular basis is obscure.
Martí
M
M
Centro de Biología Molecular - Severo Ochoa (C.S.I.C.-U.A.M.). Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Facultad de Ciencias, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
Alvarez
I
I
López de Castro
J A
JA
D000818:Animals; D016918:Arthritis, Reactive / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D015796:HLA-B27 Antigen / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D008967:Molecular Biology; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D051381:Rats; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013167:Spondylitis, Ankylosing / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology
D015796:HLA-B27 Antigen