Fine mapping analysis of the MHC region to identify variants associated with Chinese vitiligo and SLE and association across these diseases

The important role of MHC in the pathogenesis of vitiligo and SLE has been confirmed in various populations. To map the most significant MHC variants associated with the risk of vitiligo and SLE, we conducted fine mapping analysis using 1117 vitiligo cases, 1046 SLE cases and 1693 healthy control subjects in the Han-MHC reference panel and 1000 Genomes Project phase 3.

In this study, we identified new susceptibility signals associated with risks of vitiligo and SLE and confirmed a reported allele to be associated with SLE. Furthermore, we revealed new genetic predispositions for vitiligo and SLE, advancing research into the functional mechanisms of the disease and demonstrating the correlation of vitiligo and SLE from a population genetics perspective.