Multiple sclerosis and human leukocyte antigen genotypes: Focus on the Middle East and North Africa region

Recent reports have demonstrated that the prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) is increasing in the Middle East and North Africa region. There is also emerging evidence regarding the genetic components of MS risk. This review provides an overview of the role of genetic factors in MS susceptibility by examining human leukocyte antigen loci in patients within the Middle East and North Africa region. Most of the genetic studies conducted in the Middle East and North Africa region have been based on case-control designs, which cannot confirm direct causality of genetic variants on MS susceptibility. Moreover, there are very limited and inconsistent studies on human leukocyte antigen class I and II (DQA and DQB) in MS patients of the Middle East and North Africa region. To identify common risk haplotypes in the Middle East and North Africa region or its sub-populations, further longitudinal studies will be required.