[HLA and keloids: antigenic frequency and therapeutic response]

Area of Science:

• Immunogenetics
• Dermatology
• Histocompatibility Antigens

Background:

• Keloids are abnormal scars resulting from a disordered healing process.
• Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes play a crucial role in immune responses and have been implicated in various skin conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class 1 and class 2 antigens and keloid formation.
• To explore the relationship between HLA antigen types and patient response to corticosteroid infiltration therapy for keloids.

Main Methods:

• Histocompatibility antigen typing was performed on twenty keloid subjects for HLA class 1 (HLA-A, B, C) and class 2 (HLA-DR, DQ) antigens.
• Antigen frequencies in keloid patients were compared to those in control populations.
• Patient responses to corticosteroid infiltrations were recorded and analyzed in relation to HLA typing.

Main Results:

• A higher prevalence of HLA B 21 was observed among keloid patients compared to controls.
• Significant associations were found for HLA class 2 antigens: DR 5 (Relative Risk [RR] = 3.54–7.93) and DQw 3 (RR = 16.8) were notably more prevalent in keloid subjects.
• No correlation was identified between the presence of specific HLA antigens and the efficacy of corticosteroid infiltration treatments.

Conclusions:

• Specific HLA class 2 antigens, particularly DR 5 and DQw 3, are significantly associated with keloid disease.
• The investigated HLA antigens do not appear to influence the therapeutic outcome of corticosteroid infiltrations for keloids.