MHC variation at high resolution in multiple sclerosis
We proposed to study at high resolution the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) locus in multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, and common cause of non- traumatic neurological disability in young adults. Over 200 loci have been firmly associated with susceptibility. The main genome-wide association signal maps to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) gene cluster in chromosome 6p21, and explains up to 10% of the genetic variance underlying risk. This region contains ~165 genes, about half having pivotal roles in the immune system. These include the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, which have been associated with more than 100 infectious, autoimmune and inflammatory disease phenotypes, as well as drug reactions and cancers.... (for more see dbGaP study page.)