Immunogenetic associations in childhood dermatomyositis.

Childhood dermatomyositis is a multisystem autoimmune disease characterized by acute and chronic inflammatory infiltrate and vasculitis seen primarily in skin and muscle. The disease occurs in genetically susceptible individuals with a yet undescribed environmental trigger. Genetic associations in this disease demonstrate disease susceptibility as well as chronicity and severity and likely play a role in disease pathogenesis. The majority of the associations to date have been seen with the HLA alleles, with additional immune responsive and influential genes being increasingly investigated.

Duke Scholars

Author Ann Marie Reed Pediatrics