1. Excitement - and confusion - about HLA and rheumatoid arthritis
- Author
-
Harris, Edward D., Jr.
- Subjects
Rheumatoid arthritis -- Genetic aspects ,HLA class II antigens -- Health aspects ,Health - Abstract
A combination of genetic factors probably determines the cause and severity of rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers have identified some common genetic patterns in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. One of these patterns is a sequence of genetic material found in many rheumatoid arthritis patients. Researchers call this sequence of genetic material the susceptibility cassette. However, the expression of the susceptibility cassette varies greatly in patients of differing ethnic backgrounds. Many patients without the susceptibility cassette also develop rheumatoid arthritis. Some research suggests that there may also be a genetic sequence protecting healthy persons from developing rheumatoid arthritis.
- Published
- 1995