What is HLA-B27 Uveitis?
Dear Missy: HLA-B27-associated uveitis occurs, we think, as a result of some germ or other triggering an autoimmune response. Certain germs have proteins that “look” like part of the HLA-B 27 protein that is present on the surface of the cells of the body in patients who inherit the HLA-B27 gene. And if such a person has the bad luck to come into contact with one of those certain germs at some point in life, the person’s immune system will, of course, attack and kill the germ; but it may also then inappropriately begin to “see” part of the HLA-B27 protein as also being foreign or germ-like, and attack it too, producing damage to the patient’s own cells. This then must be treated, calmed down, with steroids, and if it keeps coming back again and again, other medications may be needed as well. I grew up in West Virginia, before going off to college and medical school at Duke, and so I know the state pretty well. I have been a visiting professor at the University, and while, to the best o
