Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DR4. Positive association with rapidly progressing periodontitis

The relationship between human leukocyte antigens (HLA) determinants and periodontitis has been examined by several authors without showing any particular pattern. However, no study has investigated the HLA-D determinants, which are generally associated with immune disorders, and rapidly progressive periodontitis (RPP). The HLA profile of 10 RPP patients was compared with that of a healthy control population (n = 120). Although no significant difference was found for HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C, HLA-DR4 of the HLA-D group was found in 80% of patients but only in 38.3% of controls. A high frequency of HLA-DR4 has been reported in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. This finding may be significant in light of previous reports highlighting similarities between RA and periodontal disease.