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Published on: May 29, 2020
Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2 shows the same HLA class II pattern as type 1 diabetes
C Weinstock1, N Matheis, S Barkia
1German Red Cross Blood Service West, Hagen, Germany. c.weinstock@bsdwest.de
Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome type 2 (APS 2) shares common genetic links with type 1 diabetes (T1D), suggesting a similar immunogenetic basis. These findings highlight specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles and haplotypes associated with APS 2 and T1D.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Endocrinology
- Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) complex
Background:
- Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome (APS) type 2 is characterized by the co-occurrence of multiple autoimmune endocrine diseases.
- Limited data exists regarding the specific genetic associations underlying APS type 2.
- Understanding these genetic factors is crucial for elucidating disease pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II alleles (DRB1, DQA1, DQB1) with Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome type 2 (APS 2).
- To compare the genetic profiles of APS type 2 patients with those of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) patients.
- To identify susceptible and protective HLA haplotypes in APS type 2.
Main Methods:
- A controlled study involving 98 patients with APS type 2, 96 with T1D, and 92 with AITD.
- Genotyping for HLA class II loci DRB1, DQA1, and DQB1.
- Statistical analysis to compare allele and haplotype frequencies between patient groups and controls.
Main Results:
- Patients with APS type 2 exhibited significantly higher frequencies of HLA alleles DRB1*03, DRB1*04, DQA1*03, and DQB1*02 compared to controls.
- Conversely, APS type 2 patients showed lower frequencies of DRB1*15, DQA1*01, and DQB1*05.
- Identified susceptible haplotypes (e.g., DRB1*0301-DQA1*0501-DQB1*0201) and protective haplotypes (e.g., DRB1*1501-DQA1*0102-DQB1*0602).
- T1D patients shared similar susceptible and protective HLA alleles and haplotypes with APS type 2 patients.
- The association of specific HLA alleles with APS type 2 was independent of the presence of diabetes.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest a shared immunogenetic mechanism between Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome type 2 and type 1 diabetes.
- The identified HLA associations provide insights into the genetic predisposition for APS type 2.
- The immunogenetic pathway for APS type 2 may differ from that of other autoimmune endocrine diseases.
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