Theoretical Models to Explain the Association of HLA-B27 with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Abstract

A critical examination of the five different models proposed to explain the “AS-B27” problem, has demonstrated, that two of these, the two-gene theory and the plasmid theory are no longer considered to provide satisfactory explanations of the phenomena. The remaining three theories are molecular mimicry, chemotaxis hypothesis and the receptor theory. It is difficult at this stage to decide which of these three models provides the best solution to the “AS-B27” problem, but a majority of research workers favour the receptor theory.

Key Words:

• ankylosing spondylitis
• HLA-B27
• HLA and disease
• Gram-negative bacteria