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Resende GG, Saad CGS, Marques CDL, Ribeiro SLE, de Oliveira Gavi MBR, Yazbek MA, de Oliveira Marinho A, de Cássia Menin R, Ochtrop MLG, Soares AM, Cavalcanti NG, Carneiro JN, Werner de Castro GR, Fernandes JMC, da Cruz Ribeiro E Souza E, de Menezes Alvarenga CQ, de Abreu Vieira RMR, Machado NP, Ximenes AC, Gazzeta MO, de Albuquerque CP, Skare TL, Waldemar Keiserman M, Kohem CL, Benacon GS, Rocha VFS, da Cruz Lage R, Malheiro OB, Golebiovski RTM, Oliveira TL, Duque RH, Londe AC, de Medeiros Pinheiro M, Sampaio-Barros PD. To be or not to B27 positive: implications for the phenotypes of axial spondyloarthritis outcomes. Data from a large multiracial cohort from the Brazilian Registry of Spondyloarthritis. Adv Rheumatol 2024; 64:33. [PMID: 38671475 DOI: 10.1186/s42358-024-00372-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a remarkable variability in the frequency of HLA-B27 positivity in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA), which may be associated with different clinical presentations worldwide. However, there is a lack of data considering ethnicity and sex on the evaluation of the main clinical and prognostic outcomes in mixed-race populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of HLA-B27 and its correlation with disease parameters in a large population of patients from the Brazilian Registry of Spondyloarthritis (RBE). METHODS The RBE is a multicenter, observational, prospective cohort that enrolled patients with SpA from 46 centers representing all five geographic regions of Brazil. The inclusion criteria were as follow: (1) diagnosis of axSpA by an expert rheumatologist; (2) age ≥18 years; (3) classification according to ASAS axial. The following data were collected via a standardized protocol: demographic data, disease parameters and treatment historical. RESULTS A total of 1096 patients were included, with 73.4% HLA-B27 positivity and a mean age of 44.4 (±13.2) years. Positive HLA-B27 was significantly associated with male sex, earlier age at disease onset and diagnosis, uveitis, and family history of SpA. Conversely, negative HLA-B27 was associated with psoriasis, higher peripheral involvement and disease activity, worse quality of life and mobility. CONCLUSIONS Our data showed that HLA-B27 positivity was associated with a classic axSpA pattern quite similar to that of Caucasian axSpA patients around the world. Furthermore, its absence was associated with peripheral manifestations and worse outcomes, suggesting a relevant phenotypic difference in a highly miscegenated population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Gomes Resende
- Hospital das Clínicas da UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
- Serviço de Reumatologia do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Alameda Álvaro Celso, 175/2nd floor, Santa Efigênia, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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Braun J, Rudwaleit M, Sieper J. [The role of HLA-B27 in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis : 50 years after discovery of the strong genetic association]. Z Rheumatol 2024; 83:125-133. [PMID: 38112753 DOI: 10.1007/s00393-023-01460-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association of the human lymphocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27) with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), also now called axial spondylarthritis (axSpA), was first described 50 years ago. OBJECTIVE This article gives an overview of the available knowledge on the topic. MATERIAL AND METHODS This is a narrative review based on the experience of the authors. RESULTS The HLA-B27 is a member of the HLA class I family of genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). The prevalence of HLA-B27 in the central European population is approximately 8 %, i.e., the vast majority of carriers of HLA-B27+ remain healthy. The frequency of HLA-B27 shows a decline from north to south. The HLA-B27 explains only 30 % of the genetic burden of axSpA. The prevalence of the disease correlates with the frequency of HLA-B27 in the population, i.e., there are geographic differences. Approximately 60-90 % of patients with axSpA worldwide are HLA-B27+. Some 200 subtypes of HLA-B27 can be differentiated using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In Thailand and Sardinia two subtypes were found that are not associated with axSpA. The physiological function of HLA class I molecules is the defence of the organism against microbes. Microbial peptides are presented to the immune system, which can be specifically attacked by CD8+ T‑cells. Genetic polymorphisms of the enzyme endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1), which breaks down peptides in the endoplasmic reticulum, are associated only with HLA-B27+ diseases. DISCUSSION The pathogenesis of axSpA is unclear but a major hypothesis is that of the arthritogenic peptides. In this it is assumed that potentially pathogenic foreign or autologous peptides can be presented by HLA-B27. If nothing else, HLA-B27 plays an important role in the diagnosis, classification and determination of the severity of axSpA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Braun
- Rheumatologisches Versorgungszentrum Steglitz, Berlin, Deutschland.
- Ruhr Universität Bochum, Bochum, Deutschland.
- , Berlin, Deutschland.
| | - Martin Rudwaleit
- Klinikum Bielefeld, Universitätsklinikum OWL der Universität Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Deutschland
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Li Z, Khan MK, van der Linden SM, Winkens B, Villiger PM, Baumberger H, van Zandwijk H, Khan MA, Brown MA. HLA-B27, axial spondyloarthritis and survival. Ann Rheum Dis 2023; 82:1558-1567. [PMID: 37679034 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-224434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and carriage of HLA-B27 gene in otherwise healthy individuals, are reportedly associated with increased mortality. We evaluated this hypothesis, using data from both a 35-year AS follow-up study and UK Biobank data. METHODS In 1985, 363 members of the Swiss AS Patient Society and 806 relatives were screened clinically and then radiographically for AS/axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Life expectancy was analysed in 377 axSpA patients having available pelvic radiographs and HLA-B27 status, comparing with matched Swiss population data. Survival in relation to HLA-B27 status in the general population was studied in UK Biobank European-ancestry participants (n=407 480, n=30 419 deaths). RESULTS AS patients have increased standardised mortality rate (SMR) compared with the general population (1.37, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.62). This increase was significant for HLA-B27-positive AS (SMR 1.38, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.65). Shortened life expectancy was observed among both HLA-B27-positive AS women (SMR 1.77, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.70) and men (SMR 1.31, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.59). Patients with non-radiographic axSpA (nr-axSpA) had significantly lower SMR: 0.44 (95% CI 0.23 to 0.77), compared with the general population. In the UK Biobank European-ancestry population cohort, HLA-B27 carriage was not significantly associated with any change in mortality (HR 1, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.1, p=0.349, adjusted by sex), in either males (HR 1, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.1, p=0.281) or females (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.9 to 1, p=0.232), and no increase in vascular disease mortality was observed. DISCUSSION AS patients, but not nr-axSpA patients, have a significantly shortened life expectancy. Increased mortality is particularly significant among women with HLA-B27-positive AS. HLA-B27 carriage in the European-ancestry general population does not influence survival, or the risk of death due to vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiu Li
- School of Public Health and Emergency Management, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Sjef M van der Linden
- University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Bjorn Winkens
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter M Villiger
- University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center Monbijou, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Heinz Baumberger
- Former President of Swiss Ankylosing Spondylitis Patient Society, Flims, Switzerland
| | | | - Muhammad Asim Khan
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Matthew A Brown
- Genomics England Ltd, London, UK
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College London, London, UK
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Khan MA. HLA-B*27 and Ankylosing Spondylitis: 50 Years of Insights and Discoveries. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2023; 25:327-340. [PMID: 37950822 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-023-01118-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the groundbreaking discovery of a remarkably strong association between HLA-B*27 and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). RECENT FINDINGS In addition to HLA-B*27, more than 116 other recognized genetic risk variants have been identified, while epigenetic factors largely remain unexplored in this context. Among patients with AS who carry the HLA-B*27 gene, clonally expanded CD8 + T cells can be found in their bloodstream and within inflamed tissues. Moreover, the α and β chain motifs of these T-cell receptors demonstrate a distinct affinity for certain self- and microbial-derived peptides, leading to an autoimmune response that ultimately results in the onset of the disease. These distinctive peptide-binding and presentation characteristics are a hallmark of the disease-associated HLA-B*27:05 subtype but are absent in HLA-B*27:09, a subtype not associated with the disease, differing by only a single amino acid. This discovery represents a significant advancement in unraveling the 50-year-old puzzle of how HLA-B*27 contributes to the development of AS. These findings will significantly accelerate the process of identifying peptides, both self- and microbial-derived, that instigate autoimmunity. This, in return, will pave the way for the development of more accurate and effective targeted treatments. Moreover, the discovery of improved biomarkers, in conjunction with the emerging technology of electric field molecular fingerprinting, has the potential to greatly bolster early diagnosis capabilities. A very recently published groundbreak paper underscores the remarkable effectiveness of targeting and eliminating disease-causing T cells in a HLA-B*27 patients with AS. This pivotal advancement not only signifies a paradigm shift but also bolsters the potential for preventing the disease in individuals carrying high-risk genetic variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad A Khan
- Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Costantino F, Breban M. Family studies: A useful tool to better understand spondyloarthritis. Joint Bone Spine 2023; 90:105588. [PMID: 37201576 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2023.105588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is an immune-mediated disease characterized by a high heritability, reflected by strong familial aggregation. Therefore, family studies are a powerful tool for elucidating the genetic basis of SpA. First, they helped to assess the relative importance of genetic and environmental factors and established the polygenic character of the disease. Family-based designs were also historically used to identify genetic factors of susceptibility through linkage analyses. In SpA, three whole-genome linkage studies were published in the 1990's, unfortunately with few consistent results. After having been put aside for several years in favour of case-control GWAS, there is a renewed interest in family-based designs in particular to detect rare variant associations. This review aims at summarizing what family studies have brought to the field of SpA genetics, from genetic epidemiology studies to the most recent rare variant analyses. It also highlights the potential interest of family history of SpA to help diagnosis and detection of patients at high risk to develop the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Félicie Costantino
- Rheumatology Department, AP-HP, Ambroise-Paré Hospital, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France; Infection & Inflammation, UMR 1173, Inserm, UVSQ/Université Paris Saclay, 78180 Montigny-Le-Bretonneux, France; Laboratory of Excellence INFLAMEX, Université Paris-Centre, Paris, France.
| | - Maxime Breban
- Rheumatology Department, AP-HP, Ambroise-Paré Hospital, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France; Infection & Inflammation, UMR 1173, Inserm, UVSQ/Université Paris Saclay, 78180 Montigny-Le-Bretonneux, France; Laboratory of Excellence INFLAMEX, Université Paris-Centre, Paris, France
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van de Sande MGH, Elewaut D. Pathophysiology and immunolgical basis of axial spondyloarthritis. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2023; 37:101897. [PMID: 38030467 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2023.101897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Over the recent years the wider availability and application of state-of-the-art immunological technologies greatly advanced the insight into the mechanisms that play an important role in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) pathophysiology. This increased understanding has facilitated the development of novel treatments that target disease relevant pathways, hereby improving outcome for axSpA patients. In axSpA pathophysiology genetic and environmental factors as well as immune activation by mechanical or bacterial stress resulting in a chronic inflammatory response have a central role. The TNF and IL-23/IL-17 immune pathways play a pivotal role in these disease mechanisms. This review provides an outline of the immunological basis of axSpA with a focus on key genetic risk factors and their link to activation of the pathological immune response, as well as on the role of the gut and entheses in the initiation of inflammation with subsequent new bone formation in axSpA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marleen G H van de Sande
- Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology and Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Rheumatology & Immunology Center (ARC), Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Dirk Elewaut
- Unit Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Centre for Inflammation Research, Ghent University and Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, Ghent, 9000, Belgium.
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Braun J, Sieper J. Fifty years after the discovery of the association of HLA B27 with ankylosing spondylitis. RMD Open 2023; 9:e003102. [PMID: 37652557 PMCID: PMC10476136 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The human lymphocyte antigen B27 (HLA B27) is a member of the HLA class I family of genes in the major histocompatibility complex whose name goes back to its discovery in studies of transplanted tissue compatibility. Its prevalence in the mid-European population is about 8%. The association of HLA B27 alleles with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a highly heritable disease, which is part of the spectrum of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), was discovered 50 years ago. HLA B27 explains less than 30% of the total genetic load. About 60%-90% of axSpA patients worldwide carry HLA B27. The prevalence of the disease is linked to the frequency of HLA B27 in the population which implies that there are relevant differences. Among the roughly 200 subtypes known there are two which are not disease associated. The function of HLA class I molecules is to present peptides to the immune system to defend the organism against microbes targeted by CD8+T cells. This is much supported by the role of the endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP 1) in AS, an enzyme that is responsible for the intracellular trimming of peptides, since polymorphisms of this gene are only associated with HLA-B27+ disease. The arthritogenic peptide hypothesis trying to explain the pathogenesis of AS is based on that very immune function assuming that also self peptides can be presented. HLA-B27 also plays an important role in classification, diagnosis and severitiy of axSpA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joachim Sieper
- Department of Rheumatology, Charite Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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