Association of MICA-A5.1 allele with susceptibility to celiac disease in a family study.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyze the role of the major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related gene A (MICA) transmembrane polymorphism in celiac disease (CD) susceptibility.

METHODS

Sixty-one celiac Spanish families were genotyped for MICA transmembrane polymorphism by a polymerase chain reaction method combined with fluorescent technology. A transmission disequilibrium test was performed to investigate the preferential transmission of MICA alleles to the affected offspring.

RESULTS

The MICA A5.1 allele was shown to be significantly transmitted to the affected siblings. This association was independent of the CD-predisposing DQ2 haplotype. Additionally, we classified our celiac families into typical and atypical groups as we found a significant association with MICA A5.1 in typical celiac families. There was also an association tendency with atypical families.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that the MICA A5.1 allele is associated with CD development independently of DQ2-extended haplotype and clinical forms of CD.