An update on the immunogenetics of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: Major histocompatibility complex and beyond

Although a substantial part of the genetic risk for developing adult and juvenile IIM lies within the major histocompatibility complex, recent research suggests that genetic regions outside of the major histocompatibility complex are also potentially involved in conferring IIM disease susceptibility, although with more modest effect sizes. An ongoing and internationally coordinated IIM genome-wide association scan may provide further insights into IIM immunogenetics. © 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.