Both HLA and mannan-binding lectin markers contribute to the susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis
摘要
<b>Introduction:b> The association between certain HLA factors and the susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is well-known, but other immunogenetic markers may also be involved. If RA is triggered by infections, markers of various nonlethal immuno-deficiencies might be operating. One such candidate system is that controlling Mannan-Binding Lectin (MBL) which is part of the innate immune defense system. Decreased serum concentrations of MBL due to the quite frequent occurrence of variant alleles of the MBL gene predisposes to various infections.