Genetic Factors Affecting the Occurrence, Clinical Phenotype, and Outcome of Autoimmune Hepatitis  Albert J. Czaja  Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology  Volume 6, Issue 4, Pages 379-388 (April 2008) DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2007.12.048 Copyright © 2008 AGA Institute Terms and Conditions

Figure 1 Antigen binding groove of the class II molecule of the MHC containing autoantigen and showing the 6 amino acid core motif at positions DRβ67–72 that is associated with susceptibility to type 1 autoimmune hepatitis in white North American and northern European adult patients. The antigen-binding groove consists of 2 polypeptide chains (DRα and DRβ) which orient the autoantigen for immunocyte recognition. The autoantigen is connected by a salt bridge (encircled) to the ligation point at the lip of the DRβ polypeptide chain. The core motif of leucine (L), leucine (L), glutamic acid (E), glutamine (Q), lysine (K), and arginine (R) spans positions 67–72 on the DRβ polypeptide chain at the ligation point. Lysine (K) at position DRβ71 has been implicated as the principal susceptibility factor for type 1 autoimmune hepatitis in white North American and northern European adult populations. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2008 6, 379-388DOI: (10.1016/j.cgh.2007.12.048) Copyright © 2008 AGA Institute Terms and Conditions