Abstract
HLA-DR haplotypes in patients with scleroderma and vasculitis were compared with those in healthy controls from the Scottish population to investigate whether any associations exist between MHC antigens and development of specific autoantibodies. In patients with systemic vasculitis the presence of any antibodies against neutrophil cytoplasmic antigens (ANCA) was associated with an increased frequency of DR8 [p < 0.004], and no patients expressed the DR5 antigen. However, no significant differences were observed when these patients were subdivided into those with anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO) antibodies or anti-proteinase-3 (PR3) antibodies. Scleroderma patients as a whole showed a lower frequency of DR7 than controls [5.1% cf 28% in control population, p < 0.002]. Following subdivision by autoantibody profile, patients with circulating anti-centromere antibody (ACA) showed an increased frequency of DR1 compared to the control population [p < 0.001]. No scleroderma patient without ACA expressed this haplotype. Associations between MHC and some autoantibodies suggest that antigen presentation could lead to their production.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.