Characterization of an immunologic polymorphism (D79H) in the heavy chain of factor V.

BACKGROUND: During the study of a family with hereditary factor (F)V deficiency (FV Amersfoort, 1102 A > T in exon 7) we identified an individual with 5% FV heavy chain antigen (FV(HC)) and 50% FV light chain antigen (FV(LC)). Further testing revealed that apart from the FV Amersfoort allele a second variant FV allele was segregating in this family, which encodes for a FV molecule with a reduced affinity for mAb V-23 used in the FV heavy chain ELISA (ELISA(HC)). OBJECTIVE: Identification and characterization of the molecular basis responsible for the reduced affinity of the variant FV for mAb V-23. METHODS: Family members of the proband were screened for mutations in the exons coding for the heavy chain of FV, after which the recombinant variant FV could be generated and characterized. Next, the cases and controls of the Leiden Thrombophilia Study (LETS) were genotyped for carriership of the variant FV. RESULTS: In the variant FV allele a polymorphism in exon 3 (409G > C) was identified, which predicts the replacement of aspartic acid 79 by histidin (D79H). Introduction of this mutation in recombinant FV confirmed that it reduces the affinity for binding to mAb V-23. The substitution has no effect on FV(a) stability and Xa-cofactor activity. In Caucasians the frequency of the FV-79H allele is approximately 5%. Analysis of the LETS revealed that the FV-79H allele is not associated with FV levels (FV(LC)), activated protein C sensitivity (using an activated partial thromboplastin time-based test) or risk of venous thrombosis (OR 1.07, CI 95: 0.7-1.7). CONCLUSION: The D79H substitution in FV should be considered as a neutral polymorphism. The monoclonal antibody V-23, which has a strongly reduced affinity for FV-79H, is not suitable for application in diagnostic tests.