HLA-DRB alleles and systemic lupus erythematosus in Jamaicans.
BACKGROUND
The human leukocyte antigens (HLA) are associated with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and manifestations of SLE in different ethnic groups.


METHODS
A DNA-based HLA-typing method was used to determine alleles of HLA-DRB1, DRB3, DRB4 and DRB5 in Jamaican patients. A total of 70 patients and 100 control subjects were studied.


RESULTS
HLA-DRB3*01/03 was significantly associated with susceptibility to SLE, while DRB1*15/16 was associated with the presence of oral ulcers in patients with SLE. The haplotype DRB1*13/14.DRB3*01/03 was also more frequent in SLE patients. No other significant associations were found.


CONCLUSIONS
The SLE HLA associations in Jamaicans differ from those in other black populations.
Smikle
Monica
M
Department of Microbiology, University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica.
Christian
Nicole
N
DeCeulaer
Karel
K
Barton
Everard
E
Roye-Green
Karen
K
Dowe
Gwendoly
G
Anderson
Norma
N
Nicholson
George
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D005260:Female; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D059811:HLA-DRB1 Chains; D059826:HLA-DRB3 Chains; D059845:HLA-DRB4 Chains; D059847:HLA-DRB5 Chains; D006801:Humans; D007563:Jamaica; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D059811:HLA-DRB1 Chains; D059826:HLA-DRB3 Chains; D059845:HLA-DRB4 Chains; D059847:HLA-DRB5 Chains