Protective role of the HLA-A*02 allele in Portuguese patients with multiple sclerosis

Mult Scler. 2009 Jun;15(6):771-4. doi: 10.1177/1352458509104588.

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) HLA-DRB1*15. Recent evidence that CD8 T cells are implicated in MS suggests that HLA class I may also contribute. An association of HLA-A*02 and A*03 alleles has been described.

Objectives: We examined the influence of HLA-A*02 and HLA-A*03 in Portuguese patients with MS, independently of HLA-DRB1*15 using a logistic regression model.

Conclusions: DRB1*15 increased the risk of developing MS and HLA-A*02 decreased the risk. A*03 had no effect. To analyze if HLA-A*02 association was independent from DRB1*15, an interaction between these two alleles was introduced in the model; no significant interaction was found.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / epidemiology
  • HLA-A Antigens / genetics*
  • HLA-A2 Antigen
  • HLA-DR Antigens / genetics
  • HLA-DRB1 Chains
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Multiple Sclerosis / epidemiology*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / genetics*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / immunology
  • Phenotype
  • Portugal / epidemiology
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • HLA-A Antigens
  • HLA-A*02 antigen
  • HLA-A2 Antigen
  • HLA-DR Antigens
  • HLA-DRB1 Chains
  • HLA-DRB1*15 antigen