HUMAN-LYMPHOCYTE ANTIGENS CHARACTERIZING PSORIATIC-ARTHRITIS AND ITS SUBTYPES

Abstract

Human lymphocyte alloantigen determinations were performed in patients iwth psoriatic arthritis (PsPA) who were clinically classified into arthritic subtypes and disease severity. The total PsPA group demonstrated elevations of HLA-BW38, CW6, DR4 when compared with controls (P < 0.001). Severe arthritics have increased DR4 frequency when compared with less severe arthritics (P < 0.02). Those with mild disease have increased A3, B7 frequency, which was absent in patients with moderate or severe arthritis. Rheumatoid-like PsPA patients have increased DR4, B40 frequencies; those with spondylitis, B27, CW1. PsPA is associated with many genes in the major histocompatibility complex. Distinct groups of patients with PsPA as determined by type and severity are identifiable by the presence of specific HLA.