Does HLA-B*2706 protect against ankylosing spondylitis? A meta-analysis.
The human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B*2706 is a relatively rare subtype of HLA-B27. In contrast to most HLA-B27 subtypes, some studies have reported HLA-B*2706 to be protective against ankylosing spondylitis (AS). A systematic review and a meta-analysis of available studies was performed to investigate the association of HLA-B*2706 with AS. After literature review a random effect meta-analysis was performed. No studies were found comparing the frequency of HLA-B*2706 in AS patients and controls. Meta-analysis of seven studies using HLA-B27-positive AS patients and controls showed a protective effect of HLA-B*2706 on development of AS in HLA-B27 individuals (odds ratio = 0.128, 95% CI = 0.043-0.378, P < 0.001). The results of the meta-analysis of HLA-B*2706 in HLA-B27-positive patients and controls is preliminary evidence of a protective effect of HLA-B*2706 against AS in the population. There is a clear need for additional studies on HLA-B*2706 in AS. Due to the fact that HLA-B*2706 is more or less restricted to Southeast Asia, researchers in this part of the world may have an essential role in performing these studies.
Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands. f.a.van_gaalen@lumc.nl
Floris Alexander
FA
Van Gaalen
D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005787:Gene Frequency; D005838:Genotype; D015796:HLA-B27 Antigen / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010641:Phenotype; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013167:Spondylitis, Ankylosing / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*
C510629:HLA-B*27:06 antigen; D015796:HLA-B27 Antigen