European genetic study on rheumatoid arthritis: is there a linkage of the interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-10 or IL-4 genes to RA?

Abstract

We found suggestive evidence of linkage of RA to the IL-1 locus. The increased linkage to IL-1 and IL-10 in HLA-identical sibs suggests a possible interaction between these cytokines and the HLA loci. Moreover IL-10 could interact with HLA factors in predisposing to erosive disease. These results need to be tested in additional families for consistency and replication.