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HLA-DRB1 and multiple sclerosis in Argentina
L Patrucco1, J Larriba, M A Redal
1MS Section, Hospital Italiano Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Background:
The association of multiple sclerosis (MS) with HLA DR subtypes, and particularly human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1*15 has been a consistent finding across nearly all Caucasian MS populations. In South America, scarce data exist about this issue. As the complete characterization of the HLA association range around the world is important to understand the role of this locus in MS susceptibility, we analyzed the frequency of HLA-DRB1* allelic groups in an MS population in Argentina.
Methods:
HLA-DRB1 locus was genotyped using PCR and sequence-specific primer amplification in 61 MS patients born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and 1216 healthy controls. Allele frequencies were compared between groups.
Results:
The HLA-DRB1*15 allele frequency significantly differed between controls and patients (13.5% and 33.9% respectively, P < 0.001, OR 2.51, 95% CI: 1.7-3.0). The other allele frequencies did not show significant differences between patients and controls.
Conclusions:
The present HLA class II population study is in accordance with other Caucasian MS surveys which have found that HLA-DRB1*15 allele is strongly associated with MS disease. In Argentina, this is the first study performed to analyze the association of HLA-DRB1*15 and MS susceptibility in a Caucasian population and therefore contributes with new data to the immunogenomic global MS map.
Insights
The human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1*15 allele is strongly associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility in Argentinian Caucasian populations. This study confirms previous findings in other Caucasian groups, adding valuable immunogenomic data.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Neuroimmunology
- Population Genetics
Background:
- The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex, particularly HLA-DRB1*15, is a known genetic risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS) in Caucasian populations.
- Limited data exists on HLA associations with MS in South America.
- Understanding global HLA associations is crucial for elucidating MS pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency of HLA-DRB1* allelic groups in an Argentinian MS population.
- To determine if HLA-DRB1*15 is associated with MS susceptibility in this specific demographic.
- To contribute to the global immunogenomic map of MS.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of the HLA-DRB1 locus using PCR and sequence-specific primer amplification.
- Study included 61 MS patients and 1216 healthy controls from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Comparison of allele frequencies between patient and control groups.
Main Results:
- A significant difference in HLA-DRB1*15 allele frequency was observed between MS patients (33.9%) and controls (13.5%) (P < 0.001, OR 2.51).
- No other significant differences in HLA-DRB1 allele frequencies were found.
- The results indicate a strong association between HLA-DRB1*15 and MS in this population.
Conclusions:
- The HLA-DRB1*15 allele is strongly associated with MS in the Argentinian Caucasian population studied.
- This finding aligns with previous studies in other Caucasian MS cohorts.
- This study provides novel immunogenetic data for Argentina, expanding the global understanding of MS susceptibility factors.
