MS Forum Site of information

nani

News
MS GENE IS IDENTIFIED
Article: Nature Genetics 37 , 486 - 494 (2005)
Published online: 10 April 2005; | doi:10.1038/ng1544

MHC2TA is associated with differential MHC molecule expression and susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and myocardial infarction

Antigen presentation to T cells by MHC molecules is essential for adaptive immune responses. To determine the exact position of a gene affecting expression of MHC molecules, we finely mapped a previously defined rat quantitative trait locus regulating MHC class II on microglia in an advanced intercross line. We identified a small interval including the gene MHC class II transactivator ( Mhc2ta ) and, using a map over six inbred strains combined with gene sequencing and expression analysis, two conserved Mhc2ta haplotypes segregating with MHC class II levels. In humans, a -168A G polymorphism in the type III promoter of the MHC class II transactivator ( MHC2TA ) was associated with increased susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and myocardial infarction, as well as lower expression of MHC2TA after stimulation of leukocytes with interferon-. We conclude that polymorphisms in Mhc2ta and MHC2TA result in differential MHC molecule expression and are associated with susceptibility to common complex diseases with inflammatory components.
_________________
Welcome to my info site, as I call it. I have Multiple Sclerosis in secondary progression stage. I post what I find useful and hope you can help out with a donation of $1 if you can. If not it's ok... thanks Nani