NO GENETIC-LINKAGE BETWEEN MULTIPLE-SCLEROSIS AND THE INTERFERON-ALPHA BETA LOCUS/

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is probably caused by an interaction of geneti c and environmental factors. The genetic component is reflected by a t en-fold higher concordance rate in monozygotic (27%) compared to dizyg otic (3%) twin pairs. Treatment with interferon was recently reported to have a favorable effect in patients with relapsing-remitting MS. In the present familial study, we have investigated the possibility of a genetic association between the highly polymorphic Interferon alpha b eta locus and the development of MS. Based on our data, we conclude th at there is no linkage between the Interferon alpha beta locus and MS.