Null alleles of the fourth component of complement and HLA haplotypes in familial systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Eight families (121 individuals) with two or more members affected with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were analyzed for histocompatibility antigens (HLA-A, B, C, DR, MT, and MB) and complement antigens (C4A, C4B, and BF). These data were correlated with serological markers (antinuclear antibodies, single- and double-stranded anti-DNA, anti-SM, anti-nRNP, anti-Ro [SS-A], anti-La [SS-B], and biological false-positive tests for syphilis and clinical features. Fifteen members had SLE, and 19 had other immune diseases (subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, discoid lupus erythematosus, hypothyroidism, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, primary Sjogren's syndrome, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis). Twenty-three healthy relatives (seroreactors) had significant titers of circulating antibodies, as did 2 of 17 spouses. There was an increased frequency of null C4 alleles in those individuals with SLE (60%) and healthy relatives (50%) as compared with spouses (24%). Multivariate analysis showed a significant association between SLE and female sex (P =.006), whereas there was no significant association revealed between female sex and other immune diseases. Patients with SLE also had a higher frequency of either C4A or C4B null alleles (P = .01) than those with immune diseases. The C4A homozygous null phenotype was more common in SLE patients than in seroreactors (P = .02). There was a higher frequency of HLA-DR2 and DR3 in individuals with SLE than in those with immune disease (P = .08), seroreactors (P = .02) and normal relatives (P = .002). One totally C4-deficient patient with SLE was identified. These families demonstrate an important association between SLE and the C4 null allele and the HLA-DR2 and DR3. These risk factors, however, cannot account for the development of disease in all individuals.