HLA and T cell receptor β-chain DNA polymorphisms identify a distinct subset of patients with pauciarticular-onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Objective. To evaluate and extend upon a reported association of a T cell receptor (TCR) V _β coding region polymorphism with pauciarticular-onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Methods. TCR V _β6.1 genotypes and haplotypes in JRA and control groups were determined by DNA amplification. Results. Haplotypes of the V _β6.1 gene which encode a nonfunctional form of V _β6.1 were significantly associated with pauciarticular JRA in patients possessing the HLA–DQA1*0101 allele (P = 0.0073). Conclusion. A TCR V _β gene segment in the vicinity of V _β6.1, possibly V _β6.1, is apparently involved in the pathogenesis of pauciarticular-onset JRA in DQA1*0101-positive individuals.