[The HLA-associated immunological mechanisms in rheumatic involvement of the myocardium].

The examination of 95 Uzbeks with rheumatic myocardium and 60 healthy subjects of the same nationality has found accumulation in the patients' phenotypes of antigens HLA-B17, HLA-B21 and HLA-Cw4. A high PHA-induced response of T-lymphocytes occurred in HLA-Cw4- and especially in HLA-B21-positive patients. The findings suggest participation of HLA-associated genes in the mechanisms of rheumatic process. These are thought responsible for rheumatism-specific cell immune reactions.