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Immunogenetic aspects of host immune response
1University of Toronto, Toronto Western Hospital, Ont., Canada.
Canadian Journal of Microbiology
|March 1, 1988
Summary
Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class I genes, particularly HLA-B27, are linked to bacterial infections like Reiter's syndrome. Their precise role in disease susceptibility, beyond viral defense, requires further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Microbiology
Background:
- Histocompatibility leukocyte antigens (HLA) class II molecules are key in antigen presentation.
- HLA class I molecules traditionally function in cytotoxic T cell responses to viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the association between HLA class I genes and nonseptic bacterial infections.
- To investigate the obscure mechanism of disease susceptibility conferred by HLA-B27 in conditions like Reiter's syndrome and reactive arthritis.
Main Methods:
- The study reviews extensive clinical evidence linking HLA class I genes to bacterial infections.
- It proposes hypotheses for the interaction between HLA class I and microbial antigens.
- Formal testing of these hypotheses is suggested for future research.
Main Results:
- Extensive clinical data show a strong association between HLA class I genes and nonseptic complications of enteric and genitourinary bacterial infections.
- Ninety percent of patients with Reiter's syndrome and reactive arthritis test positive for HLA-B27.
Conclusions:
- The precise mechanism by which HLA class I genes confer susceptibility to bacterial infections remains unclear.
- Proposed hypotheses include HLA class I acting as microbial antigen receptors, cross-reacting with microbial determinants, or influencing immune responses through regulatory functions.
- Further research is crucial for understanding the immunogenetic control of immune responses to pathogens.