Narcolepsy research: Genetic Study Confirms the Immune System’s Role in Narcolepsy

Last May, scientists funded by the National Institutes for Health identified a second gene associated with Narcolepsy, which relates to the autoimmune system. 

According to the press release, the researchers discovered that Narcoleptics with cataplexy are more likely to “unique variants” of a gene called TCRA, which encodes a receptor protein on the surface of T cells.  (The T cells play an important part in the immune system.)

For the full description of this research, which also includes a short explanation of the previous research connecting variants of a gene called HLA with Narcolepsy, see the article below.  It’s only one page, and it is a good summary of much of the current research on what causes Narcolepsy.

Here is the link to the article:

Genetic Study Confirms the Immune System’s Role in Narcolepsy

What do you think?  Has anyone been tested for the HLA gene? 

I haven’t been tested, but if I recall correctly sometimes doctors test for this when they are trying to figure out if someone has Narcolepsy.  I believe I’ve heard some people discuss this on Talk About Sleep.