HLA Region Genetics and Lupus in Black Women

Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) is an autoimmune disease that affects black women more than other women. A particular region of the genome, the HLA region, is thought to affect susceptibility to lupus, but the genes that may be involved have not been clearly identified. We will compare genes in the HLA region of the Black Women’s Health Study (BWHS) participants with lupus to those of BWHS participants not affected by lupus in an attempt to identify those genes. A total of 1500 genetic polymorphisms will be assessed. The DNA for these analyses will be obtained from saliva samples that have been provided by BWHS participants. In addition, an assessment of 1500 additional genetic polymorphisms from across the entire genome will also be carried out in an effort to identify other genes that may be involved in the development of lupus.