HLA antigens and susceptibility to atopic dermatitis.

The possible association between peculiar HLA antigens ant atopic dermatitis associated allergic rhinitis and/or bronchial asthma was investigated. (1) Atopic dermatitis (no deviation in HLA), complicating allergic rhinitis (HLA-BW40), and bronchial asthma (HLA-B12) are associated by different HLA antigens. (2) The diseases are associated through the same antigen (HLA-BW15), if the concept of disease resistant antigen is accepted. (3) No association is found between HLA antigens and serum IgE levels in patients.