HLA-DRB1基因型与多发性硬化易患性的关系

目的：探讨HLA基因型与多发性硬化（MS）易患者的关系。以及临床表现与基因型的关系。方法：30例MS患者（包括2对双生子患者）、40名健康对照组，应用序列特异性引物聚合酶链反应（PCR－SSP）方法进行HLA－DRB1基因分型，对2个双生子家系进行家系分析。结果：单卵双生子？（经遗传标记确定）同患MS，病变均累及大脑，脑干和脊髓，基因型为HLA－DRB1＊09＊14．1。异卵双生子之一为复发缓解型视神经脊髓炎，基因型为DRB1＊01＊12，其未患病双生子妹妹为DRB1＊17＊12。根据病变部位。30例MS中视神经脊髓炎型和西方型各15个。脊髓（70．0％），和视神经（56．7％）是最常见病变累及部位。DR15的等位基因频率在MS组无显著增高，但DR12等位基因频率在MS中显著升高（10／30vs 4/40,P=0.0157)，分层分析显示视神经脊髓炎患者中DR12等位基因频率升高，差异有极显著意义（8／15vs 4/40,P=0.0019,RR=5.33)。结论：单卵双生子与异卵双生子的患病一致性差异表明，遗传因素在MS发病中起一定作用。DR12可能是部分视神经脊髓炎型MS的易患基因，关联基因的差异可能是东西方MS临床表现和病变部位不同的原因之一。     

IL-17F及IL-17A基因多态性与中国四川汉族人群多发性硬化的相关性

目的探讨中国四川汉族人群中白细胞介素(interleukin,IL)-17A多态位点rs2275913及IL-17F基因多态位点rs763780与多发性硬化(multiple sclerosis,MS)发病的相关性。方法收集川北医学院附属医院神经内科就诊的MS患者126例,以176名性别年龄相匹配的健康体检者为对照,利用聚合酶链式反应-限制性片段长度多态性方法来检测rs2275913及rs763780多态位点的等位基因及基因型频率分布,并进行统计学分析。结果 MS患者IL-17F基因rs763780位点TT基因型频率(84.92%)高于健康对照组(71.01%),差异有统计学意义(校正后P=0.036)。患者T等位基因频率(92.06%)亦高于正常人(84.66%),差异有统计学意义(校正后P=0.048)。MS患者IL-17A位点rs2275913的基因型频率及等位基因频率与健康对照者相比无统计学差异(P0.05)。结论 IL-17F基因多态位点rs763780与MS相关,TT基因型及T等位基因可能是中国四川汉族人群MS发生的危险因素。IL-17A位点rs2275913同四川汉族人MS发病无相关。     

新疆地区维、汉族缺血性脑卒中患者磷酸二酯酶4D基因单核苷酸多态性的研究

目的探讨新疆地区维、汉族缺血性脑卒中患者磷酸二酯酶4D(PDE4D)基因87位点的单核苷酸多态性(SNP)。方法采用PCR限制性片段长度多态性(PCR-RFLP)和基因测序方法检测226例缺血性脑卒中患者(病例组,维族110例,汉族116例)和220例无神经系统疾病的患者(对照组,维族102例,汉族118例)PDE4D基因87位点的多态性。对各组基因型分布和等位基因频率进行比较。结果病例组与对照组PDE4D基因87位点的基因型分布比较,差异无统计学意义;病例组PDE4D基因87位点C等位基因频率明显高于对照组(P<0.05)。病例组维族亚组PDE4D基因87位点CC型的比率及C等位基因频率明显高于对照组维族亚组(均P<0.05);病例组汉族亚组PDE4D基因87位点CC型的比率及C等位基因频率明显高于对照组汉族亚组(均P<0.05)。病例组中,维族亚组与汉族亚组PDE4D基因87位点的基因型分布及等位基因频率比较,差异无统计学意义;对照组中,维族亚组与汉族亚组PDE4D基因87位点的基因型分布及等位基因频率比较,差异亦无统计学意义。结论 PDE4D基因87位点C等位基因频率增高可能增加缺血性脑卒中发生的风险,此风险在新疆地区维、汉族人群中没有差异。     

CD24基因多态性与多发性硬化患病易感性研究

目的探讨CD24基因多态性与多发性硬化(multiple sclerosis,MS)的相关性。方法以来自中国南方汉族人群的83名确诊MS患者和110名非自身免疫性疾病的患者及健康志愿者为研究对象,利用PCR—RFLP 技术检测CD24 E2 226C／T位点酶切多态性。结果 CD24 E2 226位点T等位基因频率MS组明显高于对照组 (MS 44．6％ vs CON 33．2％,P=0．022)。未发现CD24基因型等位基因与性别、疾病发病年龄、MS临床类型及临床严重程度之间存在相关性。结论中国南方汉族人群CD24基因多态性与MS患病相关,该基因可能是MS的易感基因。     

云南纳西族脑梗死患者载脂蛋白E基因多态性的研究

目的 探讨云南纳西族脑梗死患者载脂蛋白E (ApoE)基因多态性.方法 采用基因测序法,对云南58例纳西族脑梗死患者(脑梗死组)和50名纳西族健康对照者(正常对照组)的ApoE基因进行检测.对两组基因型及等位基因频率进行比较.结果 脑梗死组ApoE基因ε3/ε4基因型频率显著高于正常对照组,ε3/ε3基因型频率显著低于正常对照组(均P＜0.05).脑梗死组ApoE基因ε4等位基因频率显著高于正常对照组;ε3等位基因频率显著低于正常对照组(均P＜0.05).相关性分析显示,ApoE基因ε3/ε3基因型及ε3等位基因是脑梗死的保护性因素(OR=0.346,95％ CI:0.176 ～0.681,P=0.020;OR=0.412,95％ CI:0.227 ～0.749,P=0.004),ApoE基因ε3/ε4基因型及ε4等位基因是脑梗死的易感因素(OR =3.818,95％CI:1.509 ～9.665,P=0.005; OR=3.502,95％CI:1.524～8.047,P=0.003).结论 ApoE基因ε3/ε4基因型及ε4等位基因是云南纳西族人群脑梗死的遗传易感因子.     

ABCG1基因多态性与中国汉族人群缺血性脑卒中的相关性研究

目的探讨ATP结合盒G亚组成员1(ABCG1)的基因多态性与缺血性脑卒中的相关性。方法采用病例-对照方法,在中国北方汉族人群中收集389例缺血性脑卒中患者(病例组)与380名正常体检者(对照组)进行对照研究。按改良的TOAST分型将病例组分为动脉粥样硬化血栓形成型亚组(207例)和小动脉闭塞型亚组(182例),采用聚合酶链式反应-连接酶检测方法测定ABCG1基因rs225374位点的多态性。结果在动脉粥样硬化血栓形成型亚组,rs225374位点GG基因型和G等位基因分布频率显著高于对照组(25.6%vs 17.9%,P=0.030;49.8%vs 43.4%,P=0.037);小动脉闭塞型亚组与对照组比较,rs225374位点的基因型和等位基因分布频率差异无显著性。结论 ABCG1基因rs225374位点的多态性与中国北方汉族人群动脉粥样硬化血栓形成性缺血性脑卒中的发病具有一定相关性。     

肿瘤坏死因子超家族成员4基因SNP rs3861950与脑梗死

目的 探讨肿瘤坏死因子超家族成员4(TNFSF4)基因SNP rs3861950与本地区脑梗死发病的关系.方法 采用TaqMan-PCR方法检测TNFSF4基因SNP rs3861950基因型与等位基因频率.湖南籍汉族脑梗死共287例,对照组为湖南籍汉族健康体检者共285名.结果 脑梗死组CC基因型(7.7%)分布与对照组(2.1%)相比,差异具有统计学意义(X2=9.553,P=0.008);C等位基因频率脑梗死组(0.190)高于对照组(0.137,X2=5.887,P=0.015).动脉血栓性脑梗死亚组与对照组比较其基因型(X2=9.396,P=0.009)及等位基因频率(X2=6.134,P=0.013)差异均有统计学意义.非条件Logistic多因素回归分析显示CC基因型使脑梗死发病的风险是其他危险因素的3.7倍(P=0.002,OR 3.706).结论 TNFSF4基因rs3861950 C→T与湖南籍汉族脑梗死发病相关,尤其与动脉血栓性脑梗死发病相关,rs3861950 C等位基因可能是湖南籍汉族脑梗死发病的独立危险因素.     

α2-巨球蛋白基因Ⅰ1 000Ⅴ、苷酸缺失多态与阿尔茨海默病的相关性研究

目的探讨上海地区汉族人群中α2-巨球蛋白基因(A2M)Ⅰ 1 000 Ⅴ、苷酸缺失多态(Ins/Del多态)与阿尔茨海默病(AD)发病风险的关系.方法采用聚合酶链反应和限制性片段长度多态方法,于116例AD患者(AD组)和135名正常人(对照组)中检测A2M基因两种多态各基因型及等位基因的频率.通过比值比(OR)的计算作疾病关联分析.结果 AD组与对照组在A2M基因Ⅰ 1 000 Ⅴ多态Ⅰ/Ⅴ基因型分布的差异有显著性(χ2=3.905,df=1, P=0.048),但无Ins/Del多态分布的差异.A2M基因Ⅰ/Ⅴ基因型与AD呈接近显著性的关联[(OR=2.25, 95 %可信区间(95%CI)∶0.99～5.09, χ2=3.76, P=0.52)];按apoE ε4基因分层后,仅非ε4型人群中存在Ⅰ/Ⅴ基因型、Ⅴ等位基因与AD的关联(Ⅰ/Ⅴ基因型OR=2.98, 95%CI∶1.16～7.64, χ2=6.16, P=0.013;Ⅴ等位基因OR=2.77, 95%CI 1.12～6.87, χ2=4.82, P=0.039).A2M基因Ins/Del多态与AD间无相关(P>0.05);即使按apoE ε4基因分层后,AD组和与照组间也无差异.结论上海地区汉族人群中A2M基因Ⅰ 1 000 Ⅴ多态可能构成AD的一种疾病易感因子,其作用独立于apoE ε4基因.     

中国南方汉族人群亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶基因C677T多态性与脑出血的关系

目的研究中国南方汉族人群亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶(MTHFR)基因C677T多态性与脑出血(ICH)的关系。方法采用SNa Pshot法检测中国南方地区汉族人群中124例ICH患者(ICH组)及149名健康对照者(正常对照组)MTHFR基因多态性。结果与正常对照组比较,ICH组及非脑叶ICH亚组T等位基因频率显著升高(均P0.05),ICH组、非脑叶ICH亚组C等位基因频率及脑叶出血亚组T、C等位基因频率差异无统计学意义(均P0.05)。ICH组、非脑叶ICH亚组、脑叶出血亚组和正常对照组的基因型频率差异无统计学意义(均P0.05)。多因素非条件Logistic回归分析显示,MTHFR基因C677T多态性与ICH组及其亚组无相关性(均P0.05)。经过混杂因素校正后,ICH及非脑叶出血与T等位基因显著相关(OR=3.77,95%CI:1.40~10.16,P=0.01;OR=4.19,95%CI:1.30~13.46,P=0.02),脑叶出血与T等位基因不相关(OR=2.31,95%CI:0.37~14.49,P=0.37)。结论中国南方汉族人群MTHFR基因C677T位点T等位基因可能是ICH的重要危险因素。     

肿瘤坏死因子-α-308基因多态性与广东汉族人颅内动脉瘤的相关性研究

目的探讨广东汉族人群肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-α-308基因多态性与颅内动脉瘤(IA)的相关性。方法采用聚合酶链-限制性片段长度多态性(PCR-RFLP)方法检测115例IA患者与100名健康对照者TNF-α-308基因多态性,并对两组人群中该基因的基因型频率进行比较。结果在IA患者中,G/G基因型有87例(75.7%),G/A基因型有28例(24.3%);在对照组中,G/G基因型有88名(88.0%),G/A基因型有12例(12.0%)。TNF-α-308基因型频率在病例组与正常对照组差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。关联分析显示A等位基因携带者患IA的风险较正常对照者升高2.36倍(OR=2.36,95%CI=1.13～4.94)。结论TNF-α-308基因多态性与中国广东汉族人群IA的发生具有相关性,该基因可能是广东汉族人IA的易感基因之一。     

HLA-DR15 is associated with lower age at onset in multiple sclerosis

To date, more than a dozen studies have investigated the role of HLA genes in determining clinical course and disease severity in multiple sclerosis (MS); in each of these studies, however, patient sample size has been small, and no consistent pattern has emerged from the results. For the present study, we determined HLA class II genotypes and catalogued clinical and demographic data for a total of 948 patients, making our data set the largest ever used to investigate HLA genes in MS. Our goals were both to investigate the impact of HLA-DRB1 alleles on clinical course and disease severity in MS and to compare the frequencies of the established susceptibility allele DR15 in various clinicodemographic subgroups of MS patients. We found that, in addition to DR15, DR17 is positively associated with susceptibility to MS; that none of the HLA-DRB1 alleles influences course or outcome in MS; that carriers of DR15 are prone to MS development at an earlier age than noncarriers; and that differences in DR15 positivity rates, after stratification for diagnostic category and examination results, seem to reflect a gradient of phenocopy contamination, with rates increasing in proportion to the degree of clinical or paraclinical verification of the MS diagnosis.     

HLA-DRB1 and multiple sclerosis in Argentina

Background:  The association of multiple sclerosis (MS) with HLA DR subtypes, and particularly human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1*15 has been a consistent finding across nearly all Caucasian MS populations. In South America, scarce data exist about this issue. As the complete characterization of the HLA association range around the world is important to understand the role of this locus in MS susceptibility, we analyzed the frequency of HLA-DRB1* allelic groups in an MS population in Argentina.
Methods:  HLA-DRB1 locus was genotyped using PCR and sequence-specific primer amplification in 61 MS patients born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and 1216 healthy controls. Allele frequencies were compared between groups.
Results:  The HLA-DRB1*15 allele frequency significantly differed between controls and patients (13.5% and 33.9% respectively, P  < 0.001, OR 2.51, 95% CI: 1.7–3.0). The other allele frequencies did not show significant differences between patients and controls.
Conclusions:  The present HLA class II population study is in accordance with other Caucasian MS surveys which have found that HLA-DRB1*15 allele is strongly associated with MS disease. In Argentina, this is the first study performed to analyze the association of HLA-DRB1*15 and MS susceptibility in a Caucasian population and therefore contributes with new data to the immunogenomic global MS map.     

Microsatellite polymorphisms in the gene promoter of monocyte chemotactic protein-3 and analysis of the association between monocyte chemotactic protein-3 alleles and multiple sclerosis development

Monocyte chemotactic protein 3 (MCP-3) is a chemokine that attracts mononuclear cells, including monocytes and lymphocytes, the inflammatory cell types that predominate in multiple sclerosis lesions. We studied the possible association between the presence of a CA/GA microsatellite repeat polymorphism in the promoter/enhancer region of the MCP-3 gene and the occurrence of multiple sclerosis. DNA samples from 192 Swedish multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and 129 healthy controls were analysed by an automated fluorescent technique. In the whole sample population, five MCP-3 allele variants (MCP-3*A1 to MCP-3*A5) were detected with an allele frequency ranging between 0.3% and 46%. The individual MCP-3 allele frequencies did not differ significantly between MS patients and control individuals. The relative MS risk, attributable to HLA-DRB1*15 was 3.05 (chi2 = 22.25, p < 0.0001). The phenotype frequency (PF) of none of the MCP-3 alleles was significantly altered in the population of controls versus unselected MS patients. When MS patients and control subjects were stratified according to positivity for HLA-DRB1*15, the MCP-3*A4-associated risk for developing MS decreased to 0.36 (p = 0.011). In the stratified groups of patients who were negative for both HLA-DRB1*15 and HLA-DRB1*03, and hence possessed a lower risk to develop MS, the MCP-3*A2-associated risk for MS development decreased significantly (p = 0.018). We conclude that the MCP-3*A4 allele might protect against MS development on the background of the increased risk in HLA-DRB1*15+ individuals and the MCP-3*A2 allele seems protective in low-risk individuals, who are both negative for DRB1*03 and DRB1*15.     

Association and linkage of juvenile MS with HLA-DR2(15) in Russians

The aim of this study was to determine the role of the HLA-DRB1 gene [6p21] in susceptibility to juvenile MS (JMS) (age at onset < or =15 years) of children of Russian descent. Association of DR2(15) with JMS has been found by the comparison of patients with JMS with both unrelated and affected family-based healthy controls. The linkage of DR2(15) with JMS was shown by transmission disequilibrium test. There were no significant differences in the frequencies of DRB1 alleles and genotypes between 56 patients with JMS and 234 patients with MS with age at onset > or =16 years.     

The role of HLA-DRB1 alleles on susceptibility and outcome of a Portuguese Multiple Sclerosis population

BACKGROUND: The association between susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS) and HLA-DRB1*15 has been reported in various European populations. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between MS, HLA-DRB1*15 and other DRB1 alleles in a Portuguese population and their association with clinical course of MS. METHODS: The HLA-DRB1 alleles were analyzed by PCR-SSP in 248 MS patients and 282 healthy controls. In order to relate HLA-DRB1 alleles to disease aggressiveness, patients with relapsing remitting MS and secondary progressive MS were subdivided into 3 groups: 'benign' MS patients who maintain an Extended Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of 3 after the same period and 'aggressive' MS those with EDSS>or=6 within 15 years of disease onset. RESULTS: As expected, a higher frequency of HLA-DRB1*15 was found in MS patients (29.8% vs 19.9%, odds ratio (OR)=1.72, 95% CI=1.15-2.56, p=0.008). The HLA-DRB1*03 allele was positively associated with MS in the overall patient population (22.6% vs 15.6%, OR=1.58, 95% CI=1.02-2.45). Concerning disease aggressiveness, HLA-DRB1*15 occurred more frequently in the group with benign disease (42.6% vs 19.9%, OR=2.99, 95% CI=1.56-5.72) and in the group with non-benign disease (34.1% vs 19.9%, OR=2.09, 95% CI=1.05-4.16) compared with controls. When time to reach an EDSS=3 or EDSS=6 was considered as end point, HLA-DRB1*15 negative patients were found to have a worse prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: In this population of Portuguese MS patients, the HLA-DRB1*15 allele is established as a genetic marker for susceptibility to MS and is also associated with a better outcome.     

A study of the HLA-DR region in clinical subgroups of multiple sclerosis and its influence on prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the HLA-DR associations in relapsing-remitting/secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (RR/SPMS) and primary progressive MS (PPMS). The HLA-DR2 allele (or its split, HLA-DRB1*15) is felt to be a risk factor for MS, rather than a genetic marker for the population of origin. Some studies have indicated a different HLA-DR antigen profile in PPMS patients compared with those having an initially relapsing-remitting course, only those with relapsing disease showing an increase in HLA-DR2. Association of PPMS with DR4 has been suggested. Several DR alleles have also been felt to influence the prognosis in MS. METHODS: Genomic DNA was prepared from peripheral blood of 202 RR/SPMS patients identified in a population-based prevalence study, 102 PPMS patients identified throughout Northern Ireland and 398 normal controls (Nor) matched for the postcode areas of those identified in the prevalence study. Samples were typed for the HLA-DR antigens using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology and sequence specific oligonucleotide probes (SSOP). RESULTS: A high incidence of HLA-DRB1*15 was found in each MS group - PPMS (63.73%), RR/SPMS (66.83%) - compared with normals (32.41%), (PPMS vs. Nor, P<0.0001: RR/SPMS vs. Nor, P<0.0001). HLA-DRB1*04 occurred at a lower incidence in both MS groups compared with controls - RR/SPMS (22%), PPMS (30%), Nor (35%). Overall, highly significant differences existed across the full HLA-DR allele distribution (RR/SPMS vs. Nor, P<0.0001, df=12: PPMS vs. Nor, P=0.0007, df=12). No significant differences existed between PPMS and RR/SPMS (P=0.47, df=12), and the allele distributions in benign and aggressive MS were similar. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that in this population, HLA-DRB1*15 is indeed associated with PPMS and that PPMS has a HLA-DR profile distinct from the normal population but not from those with an initially relapsing-remitting course. No single allele is associated with either a good or poor prognosis.     

人类白细胞抗原-DQB1等位基因多态性与我国南方汉族人群多发性硬化的相关性研究

目的探讨人类白细胞抗原(HLA)-DQB1基因多态性与我国南方汉族人群多发性硬化(MS)的相关性。方法采用基因测序的方法(SBT)对42例南方汉族MS患者及48名健康对照者进行HLA-DQB1等位基因的检测,并比较MS组与健康对照组之间等位基因型频率的差异。结果共检测到15种HLA-DQB1等位基因片段,其中DQB1*0502等位基因频率MS组(35.7%)显著高于健康对照组(8.9%)(P=0.0018,Pc=0.027,OR=4.29);DQB1*0303等位基因频率MS组(19.0%)低于健康对照组(39.6%)(P=0.04,OR=0.48),但差异经校正后无统计学意义。HLA-DQB1*0601和DQB1*0602等位基因频率在MS组患者与健康对照组之间差异无统计学意义。结论我国南方汉族人群MS与HLA-DQB1*0502等位基因有关,而与HLA-DQB1*0601和DQB1*0602等位基因无关。     

白细胞介素12亚单位p40基因1188A/C多态与多发性硬化的关系

目的 探讨中国南方人群中白细胞介素12亚单位p40(IL-12B)基因+1188A/C位点多态与复发缓解型多发性硬化(RRMS)的相关性.方法 收集中山大学附属第三医院神经内科就诊的RRMS患者94例,以145名性别、年龄相匹配的健康体检者为对照,采用聚合酶链反应一限制性片段长度多态性(PCR-RFLP)方法 检测IL-12B基因+1188A/C位点多态,并进行统计学分析.结果 RRMS患者IL-12B基因+1188A/C位点A等位基因频率(64.4%)高于健康对照组(53.8%),差异有统计学意义(χ2=5.228,P=0.022).携带A等位基因增加RRMS发病的危险性(OR=1.551,95%CI,1.064～2.262).结论 IL-12B基因+1188A/C位点多态与RRMS相关,A等位基因可能是中国南方人群RRMS发生的危险因素.     

5-羟色胺转运体基因功能性多态与强迫症的关联研究

目的 探讨中国汉族人群中5-羟色胺转运体基因启动子区域多态(5-HTTLPR)功能性3等位基因L_A、L_G和S与强迫症(OCD)的关系.方法 采用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态技术测定138例OCD患者(OCD组)和199名健康人(对照组)的5-HTTLPR功能性3等位基因多态性.结果 OCD组5-HTTLPR功能性基因型及等位基因频率与对照组间的差异有统计学意义(χ~2=8.396,P＜0.05;χ~2=8.483,P＜0.01);L_A/L_A因型和L_A等位基因与OCD存在显著正关联[比值比分别为3.361(P＜0.05)和1.771(P＜0.01)].结论在中国汉族人群中5-HTTLPR功能性3等位基因可能与OCD存在遗传关联,L_A/L_A基因型和等位基因L_A可能是OCD的风险因子.     

Association of HLA and T-cell receptor gene polymorphisms with Semple rabies vaccine-induced autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Semple rabies vaccine is derived from brain tissue infected with rabies virus that is subsequently inactivated with phenol. Semple rabies vaccine-induced autoimmune encephalomyelitis (SAE) occurs in 1 in 220 immunized individuals. The immune response to myelin basic protein and pathological changes of demyelination in SAE suggest that this disease is the human homologue of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). SAE and EAE are frequently studied as models for the human demyelinating disease multiple sclerosis. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II and T-cell receptor (TCR) gene polymorphisms play important roles in rodent susceptibility to EAE and were analyzed to determine if the same was true in humans with SAE. HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1, and TCRBV gene polymorphisms were studied in Thai individuals with SAE (n = 18), with vaccination without neurological complications (n = 43), and without vaccination (n = 140). The allele frequencies of HLA-DR9 (DRB1*0901) and HLA-DR17 (DRB1*0301) were increased in SAE patients (DR9 = 22%, DR17 = 14%) compared with vaccinated controls (DR9 = 13%, DR17 = 6%) and with unvaccinated controls (DR9 = 9%, DR17 = 4%). The allele frequency of HLA-DQ7 (DQB1*0301) was decreased in SAE patients (8%) compared with vaccinated controls (15%) and with unvaccinated controls (25%). These susceptibilities are distinct from those associated with multiple sclerosis. The frequencies of TCRBV alleles and haplotypes were similar in SAE patients and vaccinated controls. These data suggest that genetic susceptibility associated with MHC class II alleles may have a role in the pathogenesis of SAE and its mechanism may be different from those involved in multiple sclerosis.