There are significant differences in IBD subtypes and serologic markers among racial/ ethnic groups with IBD in the United States.

Objective. To describe the changing clinical spectrum of patients with diffuse infiltrative lymphocytosis syndrome (DILS) after the introduction of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART), and to carry out HLA class II oligotyping in these patients.

T cells from lupus patients have hypomethylated DNA and overexpress genes normally suppressed by DNA methylation that contribute to disease pathogenesis. We found that stimulatory and inhibitory killer cell Ig-like receptor (KIR) genes are aberrantly overexpressed on experimentally demethylated T cells. We therefore asked if lupus T cells also overexpress KIR, and if the proteins are functional. T cells from lupus patients were found to overexpress KIR genes, and expression was proportional to disease activity. Abs to the stimulatory molecule KIR2DL4 triggered IFN-γ release by lupus T cells, and production was proportional to disease activity. Similarly, cross-linking the inhibitory molecule KIR3DL1 prevented the autoreactive macrophage killing that characterizes lupus T cells. These results indicate that aberrant T cell KIR expression may contribute to IFN overproduction and macrophage killing in human lupus, and they suggest that Abs to inhibitory KIR may be a treatment for this disease.

Evidence-based guidelines suggest that anti-Scl-70 antibodies are very useful in the diagnosis and clinical management of SSc patients and also to establish prognosis in these patients, particularly those with diffuse skin involvement.

Significant differences appear among racial and ethnic groups with IBD regarding attitudes toward disease and impact on daily life. Appreciation of varying ethnic and racial perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs among patients with IBD may be critical to more effective management.