A 35-year-old man with a family history of autoimmune disease tests positive for HLA-DR4. Compared to the general population, he has increased risk of developing which autoimmune condition?
- A Ankylosing spondylitis
- B Celiac disease
- C Rheumatoid arthritis ✓
- D Systemic lupus erythematosus
Correct answer: C. Rheumatoid arthritis
Explanation
HLA-DR4 is strongly associated with rheumatoid arthritis (shared epitope hypothesis). Ankylosing spondylitis is associated with HLA-C27. Celiac disease is linked to HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8. SLE has weaker HLA associations (HLA-DR2, HLA-DR3). The shared epitope in HLA-DR4 molecules is thought to predispose to aberrant presentation of autoantigens.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.