HLA haplotype study of 53 juvenile insulin‐dependent diabetic (I.D.D.) families

Abstract

R4 heterozygotes was observed. By contrast, the observed frequency of patients homozygous for DR3 or DR4 was not increased, but even slightly decreased. The data support a model of inheritance comprising at least two closely linked specifically "diabetic" loci (most of the time marked by B18, BfF1, DR3 and B15, BfS, DR4) and a non-specifically "diabetic" haplotype favouring auto-immunisation (most of the time marked by B8, BfS, DR3). This model is discussed in the light of the presented data and of those of the literature.