Genetic epidemiology - Systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus is the prototype multisystem autoimmune diseas e. A strong genetic component of susceptibility to the disease is well esta blished. Studies of murine models of systemic lupus erythematosus have show n complex genetic interactions that influence both susceptibility and pheno typic expression. These models strongly suggest that several defects in sim ilar pathways, e.g. clearance of immune complexes and/or apoptotic cell deb ris, can all result in disease expression. Studies in humans have found lin kage to several overlapping regions on chromosome 1 q, although the precise susceptibility gene or genes in these regions have yet to be identified. R ecent studies of candidate genes, including Fc gamma receptors, IL-6, and t umour necrosis factor-alpha, suggest that in human disease, genetic factors do play a role in disease susceptibility and clinical phenotype. The preci se gene or genes involved and the strength of their influence do, however, appear to differ considerably in different populations.