Background of the antigen
DUX4 is a homeodomain protein with a similar protein sequence to Pax3 and Pax7. Defects in DUX4 may be the cause of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). FSHD is characterized by weakness of the muscles of the face, upper-arm and shoulder girdle. Severity is highly variable. Weakness is slowly progressive and about 20% of affected individuals eventually require a wheelchair. Approximately 70-90% of individuals have inherited the disease-causing deletion from a parent, and approximately 10-30% of affected individuals have FSHD as the result of a de novo deletion. Offsprings of an affected individual have a 50% chance of inheriting the deletion.
