Immune functions and inflammatory reactions in HLA-B27 positive subjects

Article Abstract:

The major histocompatibility antigens are a group of proteins (and the DNA coding for them) that allow the immune system to distinguish between self and ''nonself'' cells, an attribute important in the rejection of grafts and organisms. (When the immune system recognizes foreign cells as ''nonself'', it mounts an immune response, usually producing antibodies to the foreign cells, or antigen. In other words, antigens are cells that induce the formation of antibodies which identify and attack the antigen. In autoimmune disease, the immune system inappropriately recognized ''self'' cells as nonself.) However, individuals who inherit particular combinations of major histocompatibility antigens, also known as human leukocyte antigens or HLA proteins, are highly susceptible to the development of certain diseases. Thus, subjects who have HLA-B27 are strongly prone to develop diseases that involve inflammatory reactions, such as ankylosing spondylitis, a type of rheumatic disorder in which the spine eventually fuses. The same antigen is associated with spondyloarthropathies, inflammatory joint disorders that develop after gastrointestinal or urogenital infections. HLA-B27 is also thought to be associated with rheumatoid arthritis, schizophrenia, and problems with electrical conduction in the heart. The theories explaining how inheritance of the B27 antigen may lead to development of these diseases are reviewed. The cross-reactive theory suggests that the B27 protein is structurally similar to molecules in some infectious agents, and antibodies that are produced to destroy the pathogenic agent may then attack other tissue with the B27 antigen. Studies suggest that individuals with B27 may produce higher blood levels of antibodies to certain antigens. Some research suggests that reactivity of lymphocytes (immune cells important in fighting infection) may be diminished in subjects with B27. Other studies indicate that some portions of the inflammatory mechanism, which is a complex group of reactions, may be increased in patients with HLA-B27, while the ability to eliminate circulating antigens may be impaired. Research continues to suggested other alternatives in attempts to explain the relations between HLA-B27 and susceptibility to disease. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Inflammation, Ankylosing spondylitis

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Yersinia associated arthritis in SHR rats: effect of the microbial status of the host

Article Abstract:

The risk of developing reactive arthritis after an infection may depend in part on previous exposure to other pathogens. Arthritis is an inflammatory disorder that affects the joints. A study examined the association between intravenous injection of live Yersinia enterocolitica O:8 and the development of inflammatory arthritis in SHR rats. Over half of the rats without antibodies against any rat pathogens developed arthritis after injection with Yersinia enterocolitica, compared with 20% to 25% of the rats with antibodies against Bacillus piliformis, Kilham rat virus or Toolan H-1 virus. The severity of arthritis may also decrease with previous exposure to other pathogens.

Causes of, Complications and side effects, Arthritis, Yersinia infections

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Two forms of reactive arthritis?

Article Abstract:

There appear to be two forms of reactive arthritis, one associated with HLA-B27 and one that is not. Reactive arthritis is arthritis that occurs after an infection even though no bacteria can be found in the joint. The two types also have other characteristics that distinguish them from each other.

Health aspects, Infectious arthritis

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