HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1 in Celiac disease predisposition: practical implications of the HLA molecular typing

J Biomed Sci. 2012 Oct 11;19(1):88. doi: 10.1186/1423-0127-19-88.

Abstract

Celiac disease (CD) is a multifactorial disorder with an estimated prevalence in Europe and USA of 1:100 and a female:male ratio of approximately 2:1. The disorder has a multifactorial etiology in which the triggering environmental factor, the gluten, and the main genetic factors, Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1 loci, are well known. About 90-95% of CD patients carry DQ2.5 heterodimers, encoded by DQA1*05 and DQB1*02 alleles both in cis or in trans configuration, and DQ8 molecules, encoded by DQB1*03:02 generally in combination with DQA1*03 variant. Less frequently, CD occurs in individuals positive for the DQ2.x heterodimers (DQA1≠*05 and DQB1*02) and very rarely in patients negative for these DQ predisposing markers. HLA molecular typing for Celiac disease is, therefore, a genetic test with a negative predictive value. Nevertheless, it is an important tool able to discriminate individuals genetically susceptible to CD, especially in at-risk groups such as first-degree relatives (parents, siblings and offspring) of patients and in presence of autoimmune conditions (type 1 diabetes, thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis) or specific genetic disorders (Down, Turner or Williams syndromes).

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoimmune Diseases / complications
  • Autoimmune Diseases / genetics
  • Celiac Disease* / complications
  • Celiac Disease* / epidemiology
  • Celiac Disease* / genetics
  • Europe
  • Family
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Genetic Testing
  • HLA-DQ alpha-Chains / genetics*
  • HLA-DQ beta-Chains / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Risk Factors
  • United States

Substances

  • HLA-DQ alpha-Chains
  • HLA-DQ beta-Chains
  • HLA-DQA1 antigen
  • HLA-DQB1 antigen