Detection of HLA antigens on progeria syndrome fibroblasts

It has been suggested that cultured skin fibroblasts derived from patients with progeria, a premature aging syndrome, have absent or markedly reduced HLA antigen expression, thus implicating a possible immunological role in the pathogenesis of this disease. An analysis of HLA expression in nine progeric fibroblast strains and related familial strains is reported. Normal HLA expression and inheritance were found. No significant association between HLA type and progeria was detected. Therefore, we conclude an abnormality of HLA expression is unlikely to be an underlying defect in progeria.