Combining HLA-DRB1-DQB1 and Mycobacterium Avium Subspecies Paratubercolosis (MAP) antibodies in Sardinian multiple sclerosis patients: associated or independent risk factors?

BMC Neurol. 2016 Aug 23;16(1):148. doi: 10.1186/s12883-016-0669-1.

Abstract

Background: Amongst Sardinians the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DRB1-DQB1 haplotypes *15:02-*06:01, *16:01-*05:02, *14:01-4-*05:03 are protective for multiple sclerosis (MS), while *13:03-*03:01, *04:05-*03:01, *03:01-*02:01, *15:01-*06:02 and Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratubercolosis (MAP) are predisposing factors. We studied the correlation between MAP and HLA.

Methods: Five hundred thirty-one patients were searched for anti-MAP2694 antibodies, DRB1-DQB1 genotyping was performed. The haplotypes were classified as predisposing, neutral or protective.

Results: Anti-MAP2694 were found in 23 % of subjects carrying one protective HLA versus 32 % without (p = 0.04).

Conclusions: We showed a lower frequency of Abs in patients with protective HLA. These haplotypes could have a protective role for both MS and MAP.

Keywords: HLA; Multiple sclerosis; Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis; Sardinia.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies / immunology
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • HLA-DQ beta-Chains / immunology*
  • HLA-DRB1 Chains / immunology*
  • Haplotypes
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Multiple Sclerosis / immunology*
  • Mycobacterium avium / immunology*
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • HLA-DQ beta-Chains
  • HLA-DRB1 Chains