HLA risk alleles and gut microbiome in ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis

Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2019 Dec;33(6):101499. doi: 10.1016/j.berh.2020.101499. Epub 2020 Apr 9.

Abstract

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles are associated with a variety of autoimmune diseases. The composition of gut microbiome can be influenced by host immunity, which is partially regulated by HLA. In this review, first we provide evidence from animal and human studies on: if and how HLA-B27, HLA-DRB1 (shared epitope (SE)), and other HLA alleles alter the gut microbiome, then we analyzed the data for several hypotheses to explain the mechanism(s) of HLA alleles influences on gut microbiome, and finally, we discussed several potential clinical implications of HLA alleles and microbial data, such as bacterial biomarkers for diagnosis, treatment, and the screening of high-risk population.

Keywords: Ankylosing spondylitis; HLA association; Microbiome; Rheumatoid arthritis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid* / immunology
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid* / microbiology
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • HLA-B27 Antigen
  • HLA-DRB1 Chains
  • Humans
  • Spondylitis, Ankylosing* / immunology
  • Spondylitis, Ankylosing* / microbiology

Substances

  • HLA-B27 Antigen
  • HLA-DRB1 Chains