HLA-DR2 and narcolepsy.

A positive association between HLA-DR2, DQw1, and narcolepsy was documented in 23 French caucasoid narcoleptic patients, 18 who were heterozygous for DR2 and 5 who were possibly homozygous. An autoimmune mechanism of narcolepsy is proposed with three successive stages, as well as relevant methodology for further investigation. A dominant mode of inheritance of narcolepsy, with an incomplete penetrance, is suggested although not yet evidenced.