Class II MHC antigen (HLA-DR3) predisposes to sarcoid arthritis

J Clin Lab Immunol. 1987 Sep;24(1):25-7.

Abstract

Recent studies indicate that the susceptibility to various inflammatory rheumatic diseases is an inherited trait determined by gene products of the class II histocompatibility complex (HLA-DR determinants). In a study designed to evaluate the concept of inherited susceptibility to sarcoid arthritis (SA), 42 patients with histologically proved acute disease underwent typing of HLA-A, -B, -C and -DR antigens. Using the microdroplet assay of human serum cytotoxins, we employed 156 antiserums to identify 52 antigens on A, B and C loci and 35 to identify 7 DR antigens on the surface of B cells. An ethnically matched control group consisted of 134 healthy volunteers. The frequency of B cell isoantigen DR3 specificity was significantly increased in patients with SA (relative risk, 4.8); HLA-DR3 was found in 25 (60%) of the patients, compared with 31 (23%) of the controls. This study lends further support to the hypothesis that the putative role of an infectious agent triggering SA cannot be judged without considering genetic cofactors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arthritis / etiology
  • Arthritis / genetics*
  • Female
  • Genetic Linkage
  • HLA-D Antigens / genetics*
  • HLA-DR Antigens / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sarcoidosis / complications*

Substances

  • HLA-D Antigens
  • HLA-DR Antigens