Investigation of the genetics in allergic children: the first report--Twin study on HLA in allergic disease

Twenty-two twins' families were investigated to determine the influence of a genetic factor in the etiology of allergic diseases in children. Zygosity was confirmed by eight red cell blood types and HLA type. Eight pairs of monozygotic twins were divided by a probability of monozygosity as calculated from Essen-M?ller's method. Concordance rate of allergic disease and asthma were 88% in MZ, 86% in DZ, 75%, 73% and that of positive rate of DF-specific IgE antibody were 60% in MZ, 58% in DZ. In DZ, not sharing the same HLA haplotypes, concordance of the positive rate of DF-specific IgE antibody was 0%. Concomitant coefficiency of total serum IgE levels were 0.593 in MZ, 0.063 in DZ. These data suggested that IgE production may be influenced by genetic factors.