Genetics of rheumatoid arthritis: is there a scientific explanation for the human leukocyte antigen association?
Human leukocyte antigen genes associated with rheumatoid arthritis are commonly found in the unaffected population, implying that causal mechanisms of disease involve interactions between these genes and other factors. A variety of approaches-genetic, structural, and immunologic-are used to explore possible molecular interactions that may contribute to understanding the basis for this disease association. The specific relation between human leukocyte antigen-DR4 alleles and rheumatoid arthritis remains one of the strongest and most thoroughly studied examples of human leukocyte antigen risk genes among human autoimmune disorders.
Buckner
Jane H
JH
Benaroya Research Institute, Virginia Mason Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98101, USA. jbuckner@vmresearch.org
Nepom
Gerald T
GT
D000483:Alleles; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology*; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000235:genetics*; D015804:HLA-DR4 Antigen / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans
D006680:HLA Antigens; D015804:HLA-DR4 Antigen