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Linkage between T cell receptor genes and susceptibility to multiple sclerosis: a complex issue
1Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Twinbrook II Facility, Rockville, MD 20892.
Regional Immunology
|September 1, 1992
Summary
Genetic factors influencing Multiple Sclerosis (MS) susceptibility are complex. Research reviews the intricate linkage between T cell receptor (TCR) and Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes in autoimmune diseases like MS.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Susceptibility to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and other autoimmune diseases is associated with genes in the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) complex.
- Emerging evidence suggests a link between MS and genes within or near the T cell receptor (TCR) beta chain gene complex.
- Inconsistencies in data highlight the complexity of T cell receptor (TCR) and Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) gene interactions in autoimmune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing data on the linkage between T cell receptor (TCR) genes and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
- To elucidate the complexities involved in evaluating the genetic predisposition to autoimmune diseases.
- To discuss the influence of gene polymorphism and multigenic factors on autoimmune disease processes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating genetic linkage in autoimmune diseases.
- Analysis of data concerning T cell receptor (TCR) and Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) gene associations with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
- Evaluation of the impact of genetic polymorphism and disease complexity on linkage studies.
Main Results:
- The relationship between T cell receptor (TCR) and Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes and autoimmune diseases is intricate.
- Discrepancies in linkage data are attributed to the complex nature of these gene complexes and their products.
- Simple genetic linkage may not fully explain the genetic predisposition to autoimmune diseases due to multigenic factors.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the genetic basis of autoimmune diseases requires considering the complexity of T cell receptor (TCR) and Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes.
- Polymorphism within these gene complexes and the multigenic nature of disease susceptibility complicate straightforward genetic linkage.
- Further research is needed to unravel the intricate interplay of genetic factors in autoimmune disease pathogenesis.