[Histocompatibility class I antigens loci A and B in familial sarcoidosis in Poland]

Thirty three affected members from 17 Polish sarcoidosis families and their healthy relatives (61 subjects) have been typed for HLA class I (A and B). Controls consisted of 101 healthy Polish subjects. The HLA typing was performed by the serological method using the standard microcytotoxicity test. No significant differences were observed between group 1 (33 affected family members), group 2 (61 healthy relatives) and group 3 (healthy controls) considering the HLA class I locus A antigens. The frequencies of HLA B8, HLA B16 and HLA B40 were significantly higher in affected sarcoidosis families members compared to control subjects (p < 0.05). When comparing all families members (affected and non-affected as a one group) to the control group we found a significant overrepresentation of HLA B12 and B35 in the control group. We concluded that HLA antigens locus B: B12 and B35 may have a protective function against the disease; the role of HLA class I antigens in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis needs further evaluation.