Genetic susceptibility
Despite the heterogeneity of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, a specific genetic overlap might exist
between subtypes since they share joint inflammation as the most prominent disease feature.31
The concordance rate and similarity in disease phenotype between monozygotic twins (20–40%)
also suggests a strong genetic component of the disease.32,33 Indeed, findings from several
studies suggest that specific genetic susceptibility genes can be identified, which can be broadly
divided into two groups—HLA genes and non HLA-related genes. The non HLA-related genes include
cytokines and other immune genes.34 The association of juvenile idiopathic