The genetic basis of multiple sclerosis: a model for MS susceptibility.

ABSTRACT:

Background

MS-pathogenesis is known to involve both multiple environmental events, and several independent genetic risk-factors.

Methods

A model of susceptibility is developed and a mathematical analysis undertaken to elucidate the nature of genetic susceptibility to MS and to understand the constraints that are placed on the genetic basis of MS, both by the known epidemiological facts of this disease and by the known frequency of the HLA DRB1*1501 allele in the general populations of northern Europe and North America.

Results

For the large majority of cases (possibly all), MS develops, in part, because an individual is genetically susceptible. Nevertheless, 2.2% or less of the general population is genetically susceptible. Moreover, from the model, the number of susc

SUBMITTER: Goodin DS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2994805 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature