HLA-DQB1*0602 homozygosity increases relative risk for narcolepsy but not disease severity in two ethnic groups. US Modafinil in Narcolepsy Multicenter Study Group

Tissue Antigens. 1998 Jan;51(1):96-100. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-0039.1998.tb02952.x.

Abstract

Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder known to be tightly associated with HLA-DQA1*0102 and DQB1*0602. In this study, we have examined if homozygosity for DQB1*0602 increases disease susceptibility and/or severity. Patients diagnosed at Stanford University (n=160) or enrolled in a multicenter clinical trial (n=509) were included in this analysis. In both African-Americans and Caucasian-Americans with or without cataplexy, a significantly higher than expected number of subjects were DQB1*0602 homozygotes. Relative risks were 2-4 times higher in DQB1*0602 homozygotes vs heterozygotes across all patient groups. In contrast, symptom severity did not differ between DQB1*0602 homozygous and heterozygous subjects. These results indicate that HLA-DQB1*0602 homozygosity increases susceptibility to narcolepsy but does not appear to influence disease severity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Black People / genetics*
  • Ethnicity / genetics
  • Female
  • HLA-DQ Antigens / genetics*
  • HLA-DQ beta-Chains
  • Homozygote*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Narcolepsy / genetics*
  • Narcolepsy / immunology
  • Risk Factors
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • White People / genetics*

Substances

  • HLA-DQ Antigens
  • HLA-DQ beta-Chains
  • HLA-DQB1 antigen