The association of MHC genes with autism.
Several immune abnormalities have been noted in autistic subjects. These associations have been extended to the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), a section of DNA remarkable for the number of encoded proteins with immunological functions. The strongest MHC association identified thus far is for the null allele of C4B in the class III region. The complex allelic composition of C4 as determined by immunoelectrophoresis is discussed. Low levels of C4 resulting from the null allele may be important in disease pathogenesis especially since C4 has been identified in developing brain neurons. The DNA region just telomeric to C4 has several genes including tumor necrosis factor which encode proteins with immunological functions. These proteins may act in concert with C4 in disease contribution and the genes should be more closely examined.
Torres
A R
AR
Center for Persons with Disabilities and Biology Dept., Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322-6895, USA. rtorres@cpd2.usu.edu
Maciulis
A
A
Odell
D
D
D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000235:genetics*; D003181:Complement C4 / Q000235:genetics*; D017353:Gene Deletion; D006801:Humans; D007154:Immune System Diseases / Q000235:genetics; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000235:genetics
D003181:Complement C4; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha