Sarcoidosis and tuberculosis share several similar clinical and pathogenic characteristics that make some researchers consider a common pathogenesis for these diseases. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotypes are studied both in sarcoidosis and tuberculosis patients, but to our knowledge, there are no comparative studies of genetic predisposition for sarcoidosis and tuberculosis development.

The aim of this review was to analyse the relationship between HLA genotypes and the development of sarcoidosis and tuberculosis. Original and review articles published in various online databases from 1960 to 2019 were studied.

The search results showed opposite effects of the HLA genotypes on predisposition to sarcoidosis or tuberculosis. It was revealed that the genotypes predisposing to the development of sarcoidosis (HLA-DRB1*03/07/15) have protective properties against the development of tuberculosis. Moreover, genotypes causing the development of tuberculosis (HLA-DRB1*04) have a protective effect on the development of sarcoidosis.

The results of this narrative review of the literature may allude to the existence of genetic predispositions that lead to the development of an antibacterial or autoimmune response to mycobacteria.