Complications, Risk Factors, And Causes Of Temporal Arteritis

Genetic Link

Along with immune system attacks, temporal arteritis may have a genetic link. Unlike some genetic disorders, however, temporal arteritis is not likely to have a single gene that determines if an individual will develop the disorder; instead, it is more likely there are certain genetic variants that increase the chances someone will develop temporal arteritis. This means environmental triggers are needed along with the genes. On chromosome 6, the human leukocyte antigen (HKLA) gene family is greatly involved with protein recognition in the immune system, so it is probably involved in temporal arteritis. The PTPN22 genes are also strongly associated with temporal arteritis, although the relationship is not as the HKLA genes. The PTPN22 gene is known to be involved in autoimmune disorders. As the genetics of temporal arteritis are better understood, it will be easier for scientists to understand how to treat the disorder.

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