Selective IgA deficiency in autoimmune diseases

Mol Med. 2011;17(11-12):1383-96. doi: 10.2119/molmed.2011.00195. Epub 2011 Aug 4.

Abstract

Selective immunoglobulin A deficiency (IgAD) is the most common primary immunodeficiency in Caucasians. It has previously been suggested to be associated with a variety of concomitant autoimmune diseases. In this review, we present data on the prevalence of IgAD in patients with Graves disease (GD), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), type 1 diabetes (T1D), celiac disease (CD), myasthenia gravis (MG) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on the basis of both our own recent large-scale screening results and literature data. Genetic factors are important for the development of both IgAD and various autoimmune disorders, including GD, SLE, T1D, CD, MG and RA, and a strong association with the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region has been reported. In addition, non-MHC genes, such as interferon-induced helicase 1 (IFIH1) and c-type lectin domain family 16, member A (CLEC16A), are also associated with the development of IgAD and some of the above diseases. This indicates a possible common genetic background. In this review, we present suggestive evidence for a shared genetic predisposition between these disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoimmune Diseases / complications*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / epidemiology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Biomarkers
  • Humans
  • IgA Deficiency / complications*
  • IgA Deficiency / epidemiology
  • IgA Deficiency / immunology

Substances

  • Biomarkers