From the Research
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is associated with several genes, with the HLA-DRB1 gene being the strongest genetic risk factor, as evidenced by the most recent and highest quality study 1. The HLA-DRB1*15:01 allele increases the risk of developing MS by about three times, and is part of the immune system, helping the body distinguish between its own cells and foreign invaders. Other important genes associated with MS include:
- HLA-A and HLA-B alleles in class I
- HLA-DPB1 alleles in class II
- A non-HLA risk allele within the MHC, potentially involving the TNF gene These genetic factors contribute to an individual's susceptibility to MS by influencing how their immune system functions. However, it's essential to note that having these genes doesn't guarantee that a person will develop MS, as environmental factors also play a significant role in the disease's onset, as suggested by 2, 3, 4, 5. The identification of these genetic associations can aid in the development of targeted immunotherapies, as discussed in 5, and improve our understanding of the disease's pathogenesis, as highlighted in 2, 3, 4, 1.