Abstract: Objective To study the pathogenesis and genetic basis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Methods The association between HLA-DR,DQ genes and various autoantibodies in patients with SLE was analysed. Results The results indicated that DR2,DQ6 and the heterozygous combination DQ2/DQ6 were closely correlated with the production of autoantibodies to Ro antigen,and DQ A1*0102, DQB1*0602 with antibody to RNP. As shown in the lupus population study in H an nationality,patients with anti-Smand anti-dsDNA antibodies were associated with DRB1*1501,DQA1*0102,and DQB1*0602 which suggests that anti-Smand anti-dsDNA antibodies have a very im portant diagnostic value in SLE.Conclusion The association between autoantibodies and HLA has gone beyond ethnic boundary.In various ethnic patients with SLE,the associaton between HLA antigen and specific autoantibody is similar.The above data suggest that contribution of class MHC molecules in SLE is predominantly at the level of specific autoantibodies production.

Key words: Lupus erythematosus, systemic, Autoantibodies