HLA-DR2 and white matter lesion distribution in MS

J Neuroimaging. 2008 Jul;18(3):328-31. doi: 10.1111/j.1552-6569.2008.00259.x. Epub 2008 May 8.

Abstract

Human leukocyte antigen DR2 (HLA-DR2) is a well-established genetic risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS). However, it is still unknown whether this factor is associated with a specific disease phenotype, and in particular, to a regional distribution of white matter (WM) lesion phenotype on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). On a voxel-by-voxel basis, we analyzed the T1 and T2 MRI-derived lesion maps of 50 patients with MS in order to determine the possible influence of HLA-DR2 genotype on the lesional MRI pattern at early stages of the disease. HLA-DR2 was present in 15 (30%) patients of our cohort. They displayed similar WM lesion distribution as the subjects without this factor. Thus, lesion distribution in MS seems to be independent of the DR2 genotype.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • HLA-DR2 Antigen / genetics
  • HLA-DR2 Antigen / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Linear Models
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Multiple Sclerosis / genetics
  • Multiple Sclerosis / immunology*
  • Phenotype

Substances

  • HLA-DR2 Antigen