title: Horizons in Sjögren's syndrome genetics.
abstract: Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a complex polygenic autoimmune disorder. A few major genetic effects have been identified. Historically, HLA and non-HLA genetic associations have been reported. Recently, the HLA region continued to reveal association findings. A new susceptibility region has been suggested by a study of a D6S349 microsatellite marker. Among non-HLA studies, recent association of immunoglobulin kappa chain allotype KM1 with anti-La autoantibodies in primary Sjögren's syndrome confirms findings in a study from two decades ago. Meanwhile, mouse models have been employed to study the genetic contribution to salivary lymphadenitis or dry eyes and mouth. Gene transfer exploration in mouse models shows promise. The authors review the HLA and non-HLA association studies and the mouse model work that has been reported. Newly developed genomic capacity will provide, in the future, a much closer approximation of the true picture of the genetic architecture of Sjögren's syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Arthritis and Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City 73104, USA.
authors.forename: Pamela H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Beth L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Cobb
authors.forename: Bahram
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Namjou
authors.forename: R Hal
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Scofield
authors.forename: Amr H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Sawalha
authors.forename: John B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Harley
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D006680:HLA Antigens