HLA and T cell receptor β‐chain DNA polymorphisms identify a distinct subset of patients with pauciarticular‐onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Objective . To evaluate and extend upon a reported association of a T cell receptor (TCR) V β coding region polymorphism with pauciarticular‐onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Methods . TCR V β 6.1 genotypes and haplotypes in JRA and control groups were determined by DNA amplification. Results . Haplotypes of the V β 6.1 gene which encode a nonfunctional form of V β 6.1 were significantly associated with pauciarticular JRA in patients possessing the HLA–DQA1*0101 allele ( P = 0.0073). Conclusion . A TCR V β gene segment in the vicinity of V β 6.1, possibly V β 6.1, is apparently involved in the pathogenesis of pauciarticular‐onset JRA in DQA1*0101‐positive individuals.