HLA-C allele recognition using DNA sequencing

The HLA-C locus was sequenced in 106 normal unrelated members of the French CEPH families. Following generic PCR amplification, exons 2 and 3 were amplified separately then sequenced using the ALF Expres sequencer. The Sequi Typer program was used for data analysis. Of the 72 alleles identified to date, 20 were recognized in the panel studied. Results were compared to those provided by the lymphocytotoxicity test, which had a 13.5% error rate and failed to reach the level of specific recognition. Sequencing preceded by amplification allowed immediate unambiguous allele assignment in 96% of cases. In four cases, a complementary method was required to resolve ambiguities. Reproducibility was high. The sequencing strategy described herein is a significant advance and may be particularly valuable for achieving perfect donor/recipient matching for allogeneic stem cell transplants.