Risk genes for multiple sclerosis (MS) are localized in the gene regions 6p21-11 and 19q13, the latter harboring the genes of the immunoglobulin-like transcripts (ILTs). ILTs are a family of activating and inhibitory receptors expressed on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) as well as on natural killer (NK) and T cells. Because of the inhibitory function of ILT2 and ILT4 and their binding to human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G, they play a role in immune tolerance and may be important in pathogenesis of autoimmunity. ILT6 shows presence-absence variability and is produced by macrophages in a soluble form. ILT6 deletion is associated with MS. Furthermore, ILT6 activates T cell proliferation and is therefore a candidate gene for autoimmune disorders.
Immunoglobulin-like transcripts as risk genes for autoimmunity. Publishing Authors By Initials
