Journal of Genetic Syndromes & Gene Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

Genetic Variation and Epigenetic Patterns in Autoimmunity

Christian M. Hedrich

The question of whether autoimmune diseases (AID) have a genetic link has occupied researchers and clinicians for decades. Mendelian inheritance has been demonstrated for some disorders, others are associated with mutations and polymorphisms in susceptibility genes. Mostly, transmission rates were significantly lower than expected. In such cases, and in disorders with no genetic background, environmental factors seem to influence and/or cause disease onset, progression, and outcome.