Two of the IRF5 polymorphisms, CGGGGindel (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.09-1.76, pcorr = 0.04) and rs2004640 (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.09-1.68, pcorr = 0.03), and one haplotype, including the rs2004640 and the CGGGGindel, ht3 (A-Del-T-C-del-A-T) (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.09-1.79, pcorr = 0.04) were significantly associated with an increased risk of RA.
The study gives no definite evidence for a pathogenic genetic link of periodontitis and RA but suggests IRF5 and PRDM1 as shared susceptibility factors.
Our objective was to evaluate the presence in sera of RA patients of antibodies (Abs) directed against human homologous IRF5 cross-reacting with BOLF1 and MAP_4027.
It has become clear that IRF5 contributes to the pathogenesis of many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Interestingly, recent studies have not found association of IRF5 with the other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis, suggesting the unique role for IRF5 in the development of lupus.
Ab reactivity reached the highest levels for IRF5, EBV and IL-2 (56%, 44% and 39%, respectively) in RA with significantly lower values among HCs (7-9%, p < 0.0001), which suggests a possible cross-reaction between IRF5/EBV homologous antigens and shifts in T cell balance disrupted by anti-IL-2 Abs.