reviewGenome biologyApr 27, 2017GOLD OA

The MHC locus and genetic susceptibility to autoimmune and infectious diseases

University Medical Center Groningen · University of Groningen · +1 more institution

PubMed
Indexed incrossrefdoajpubmed

Abstract

In the past 50 years, variants in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) locus, also known as the human leukocyte antigen (HLA), have been reported as major risk factors for complex diseases. Recent advances, including large genetic screens, imputation, and analyses of non-additive and epistatic effects, have contributed to a better understanding of the shared and specific roles of MHC variants in different diseases. We review these advances and discuss the relationships between MHC variants involved in autoimmune and infectious diseases. Further work in this area will help to distinguish between alternative hypotheses for the role of pathogens in autoimmune disease development.

Citation impact

599
total citations
FWCI
20.64
Percentile
100%
References
141
Citations per year

Authors

4

Topics & keywords

Keywords
  • Biology
  • Major histocompatibility complex
  • Human leukocyte antigen
  • Imputation (statistics)
  • Locus (genetics)
  • Epistasis
  • Genetics
  • Human genetics
UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Good health and well-being
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Funding