▪ Abstract Considerable evidence suggests that the development of systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE) has a strong genetic basis. Recent studies have emphasized that this
disease, like other autoimmune diseases, is a complex genetic trait with contributions from
major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes and multiple non-MHC genes. Etiologic
genes in these disorders determine susceptibility, and no particular gene is necessary or
sufficient for disease expression. Studies of murine models of lupus have provided important …

Recent studies have emphasized that systemic lupus erythematosus is a complex genetic
trait with contributions from the MHC and multiple non-MHC genes. Genome-wide linkage
studies in murine models of lupus have mapped the positions of a number of non-MHC loci,
but the contributing genes have not yet been identified. Recent studies in human systemic
lupus erythematosus have found an association with a particular FCGR2A allele. Although
susceptibility genes in lupus are unlikely to involve mutations with severe functional …