Genetic associations in Italian primary sclerosing cholangitis: heterogeneity across Europe defines a critical role for HLA-C.

Background & Aims: The HLA complex on chromosome 6p21 is firmly established as a risk locus for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). We aimed to exploit genetic differences between Northern Europe and Italy in an attempt to define a causative locus in this genetic region.

Methods: Seventy-eight North-Italian PSC patients and 79 controls were included.

Killer immunoglobulin-like receptor ligand HLA-Bw4 protects against multiple sclerosis.

Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the central nervous system. A human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II association is well established (DRB1*1501-DQB1*0602), but more recently HLA class II-independent associations with HLA class I variants have also been reported. The HLA class I (HLA-A, -B, -C) molecules serve as ligands for both T-cell receptors and killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs).