瘢痕疙瘩与HLA-Ⅱ类基因相关性研究

目的：探讨免疫遗传学因素在瘢痕疙瘩发病机制中的作用。方法：用聚合酶链反应一序列特异性引物(PCR-SSP)技术对50例瘢痕疙瘩患者进行HLA-Ⅱ类基因分型，并以100例正常人的Ⅻ。A-Ⅱ类基因为对照。结果：瘢痕疙瘩组HLA—DQ5抗原频率(30％)明显高于对照组(14％)，相对危险率(RR)=2．63；HLA—DRl7和HLA—DQ8抗原频率(2％)明显低于对照组(14％，15％)，RR=0．13，0．12。结论：瘢痕疙瘩与HLA—DQ5基因呈正相关，与HLA-DRl7和HLA—DQ8基因呈负相关。HLA—DQ5、HLA-DR17和HLA-DQ8基因可能是瘢痕疙瘩患者易感的单倍型。     

急性淋巴细胞白血病患者HLA-DRB1基因多态性研究

目的 :研究北方汉族人群HLA DRB1等位基因多态性与急性淋巴细胞性白血病 (ALL)患者的遗传关联。方法 :采用聚合酶链反应 序列特异性寡核苷酸探针 (PCR SSO)方法 ,对 184例北方汉族人群ALL患者和 3 5 78例健康脐带血样本HLA DRB1等位基因多态性进行研究。结果 :184例ALL患者HLA DR9( 18 2 1%,χ2 =16 .0 7,P <0 0 1,RR =1 74,EF =0 0 774) ,DR12 ( 14 13%,χ2 =7.12 ,P <0 0 1,RR =1 5 2 3,EF =0 0 49) ,DR14( 7 88%,χ2 =5 .194,P <0 0 5 ,RR =1 5 74,EF =0 0 2 87)和DR16 ( 4 89%,χ2 =8.5 2 7,P <0 0 1,RR =2 0 6 5 ,EF =0 0 2 5 )基因频率显著高于正常人群 ,而HLA DR7( 8 15 %,χ2 =7.0 78,P <0 0 1,RR =0 6 0 ,EF =0 0 86 )和DR15 ( 12 2 3%,χ2 =4.0 49,P <0 0 5 ,RR =0 710 9,EF =0 0 6 7)基因频率显著下降。结论 :HLA DR9、DR12、DR14、DR16等位基因对ALL患者有遗传易感作用 ,而HLA DR7、DR15等位基因对ALL患者有遗传拮抗作用。     

青霉素类过敏反应与HLA-DRB基因多态性

目的 :探讨青霉素类过敏反应与HLA DRB基因多态性的关系。方法 :采用放射过敏原吸附试验(RAST)测定 3 97例过敏病人和 1 0 1例正常人血清中8种抗原决定簇 (BPO PLL、PVO PLL、APO PLL、AXO PLL、BPA PLL、PVA PLL、APA PLL、AXA PLL)特异性IgE抗体 ,采用序列特异性引物聚合酶链反应 (PCR SSP)的方法检测了 1 1 3例过敏病人和 87例正常人HLA DRB基因型。结果 :77例有过敏史的病人中 ,与对照组相比 ,DR9基因频率显著升高 (1 1 .0 4%比 4.0 2 % ,P <0 .0 5 ,RR =3 .2 4)。其中 ,速发型过敏组和荨麻疹组中的DR9…     

特发性儿童中风患者HLA的相关性研究

目的　探讨与中国北方汉族特发性儿童中风患者相关的HLA抗原及等位基因。方法应用标准微量淋巴细胞毒试验方法及聚合酶链反应 序列特异性探针 (PCR SSO)技术对 43例该病患者进行HLAⅠ类抗原及Ⅱ类等位基因的分型 ,并和 10 7例相匹配的无关健康人进行了对照比较。结果　患者组中HLA B5 1频率为 0 .395 ,而对照组仅为 0 .0 94,相对危险率 (RR)及 χ2 分别为 6 .34和18.94(Pc<0 .0 1)。HLA DRB1 0 80 2频率显著升高 (患者组 0 .2 0 9,对照组 0 .0 2 2 ,RR =11.78,χ2 =13 .5 0 ,Pc=0 .0 0 38)。此外还见到DQA1 0 40 1和DQB1 0 40 2频率也升高 ,校正P值后两组差异仍有显著性 ,二者均与DRB1 0 80 2连锁在同一单倍型中。结论　中国北方汉族特发性儿童中风的发生与HLA B5 1,DRB1 0 80 2显著相关。     

儿童急性淋巴细胞白血病患者HLA-A,B,DRB1等位基因多态性研究

目的　研究北方汉族人群儿童急性淋巴细胞性白血病 (ALL)患者与HLA A ,B ,DRB1等位基因多态性的遗传关联。方法　采用聚合酶链反应 序列特异性寡核苷酸探针 (PCR SSO)方法 ,对 197例北方汉族儿童ALL患者和 5 84 1例健康脐带血样本HLA A ,B ,DRB1等位基因多态性进行研究。结果　在HLA A ,B ,DRB1等位基因中 ,儿童ALL患者的A11(18.5 3% ,χ2 =8.5 9,P <0 .0 1,RR =1.4 7,EF =0 .0 6 35 )和A2 4 (19.2 9% ,χ2 =11.6 5 ,P <0 .0 1,RR =1.5 6 ,EF =0 .0 738) ;B4 0(18% ,χ2 =1199.6 2 ,P <0 .0 0 1,RR =5 3.2 3,EF =0 .18) ,B15 (30 % ,χ2 =15 9.17,P <0 .0 0 1,RR =9.6 89,EF =0 .0 14 ) ,B5 6 (1.5 % ,χ2 =16 .17,P <0 .0 0 1,RR =5 .92 ,EF =0 .0 774 ) ,B6 7(2 .5 % ,χ2 =5 .93,P <0 .0 1,RR =2 .74 ,EF =0 .0 774 ) ,和B2 7(3.75 % ,χ2 =4 .96 ,P <0 .0 1,RR =1.81,EF =0 .0 774 ) ;DR9(18.2 1% ,χ2 =16 .0 7,P <0 .0 0 1,RR =1.74 ,EF =0 .0 774 ) ,DR12(14 .13% ,χ2 =7.12 ,P <0 .0 1,RR =1.5 2 3,EF =0 .0 4 9) ,DR14 (7.88% ,χ2 =5 .194 ,P <0 .0 5 ,RR =1.5 74 ,EF =0 .0 2 87) ,和DR16 (4.89% ,χ2 =8.5 2 7,P <0 .0 1,RR =2 .0 6 5 ,EF =0 .0 2 5 )等基因的基因频率都显著高于正常人群     

上海人群抗原处理相关基因的分布及其与原发性IgA肾炎关联研究

采用PCR SSO和PCR RFLP技术对 6 0例经临床及肾穿刺证实的IgA肾炎 (IgAN )患者和 80例正常人的TAP、LMP2和DM等位基因频率进行了检测。结果显示在患者和正常人中各等位基因频率均无显著性差异 ,表明IgAN与抗原处理相关基因无关联。同时分析了经典Ⅱ类基因 (DR/DQ/DP )和抗原处理相关基因 (TAP/LMP2 /DM )之间可能存在的连锁不平衡 ,获得了扩展的HLAⅡ类单倍型 ,为HLAⅡ类基因与某些自身免疫病的关联性研究提供了有价值的数据     

HLA-DRB1等位基因与中国北方汉族多发性肌炎/皮肌炎的相关性

目的　探讨HLA DRB1等位基因与中国北方汉族多发性肌炎 (PM) 皮肌炎 (DM)的相关性。方法　采用聚合酶链反应 序列特异性引物 (PCR SSP)技术 ,检测中国北方汉族PM DM患者的HLA DRB1等位基因。结果　与 16 8例正常对照组比较 ,在 5 2例PM DM患者中HLA DRB1 0 40x和DRB1 12 0x等位基因频率明显增高 ,且差异有非常显著性 ( χ2 =2 9.80 ,RR =6 .6 1,Pc <0 .0 1;χ2 =2 2 .2 2 ,RR =5 .82 ,Pc<0 .0 1) ;DRB1 0 70x的基因频率也明显高于正常对照组的基因频率 ,且差异有显著性 ( χ2 =10 .6 8,RR =4.48,Pc<0 .0 5 )。 38例DM患者中HLA DRB1 0 40x和DRB1 12 0x等位基因频率明显增高 ,差异有非常显著性 ( χ2 =2 6 .33,Pc<0 .0 1;χ2 =2 0 .82 ,Pc<0 .0 1) ;DRB1 0 70x的基因频率也明显高于正常对照组的基因频率 ,且差异有显著性 ( χ2 =9.6 2 ,Pc<0 .0 5 )。 14例PM患者HLA DRB1 0 40x基因频率也明显增高 ,但经P值校正后无统计学意义 ( χ2 =6 .12 ,Pc>0 .0 5 )。 10例伴间质性肺炎型患者HLA DRB1 12 0x等位基因频率较正常对照组的基因频率明显增高 ,且差异有非常显著性 ( χ2 =12 .5 6 ,Pc<0 .0 1)。结论　PM DM与HLA DRB1 0 40x、 0 70x和 12 0x有显著性相关 ,为揭示PM DM的发病机制中免疫遗传学机制所起的     

云南汉族系统性红斑狼疮自身抗体与人类白细胞抗原-Ⅱ的关联性研究

目的 探讨云南汉族系统性红斑狼疮（systemic lupus erythematosus,SLE)患者自身抗体与HLA－Ⅱ抗原的相关性。方法 用单克隆抗体微量淋巴毒试验对57例云南汉族SLE患者进行HLA－Ⅱ类DR、DQ抗原特异性血清学分型，用免疫金渗滤试验检测抗ds-DNA抗体，免疫印迹法检测可提取核抗原抗体。结果 抗ds-DNA抗体阳性者的DR9、DQ2抗原频率分别为45．71％（16／35）、40．00％（14／35），显著高于抗ds-DNA阴性者。抗SSA和抗SSB阳性者的DR14、DQ5抗原频率分别为28．57％（4／14）、35．76％（5／14），显著高于抗SSA和抗SSB阴性者。抗UI核糖核蛋白（U1 ribonuleoprotein,U1RNP)阳性者的DQ6抗原频率为12．50％（2／16），显著低于抗U1RNP阴性者；DQ7抗原频率为75．00％（12／16），显著高于抗U1RNP阴性者。结论 云南汉族SLE患者自身抗体与HLA－DR、DQ抗原的关联性有自己的地区特异性。     

HLA-DR抗原在慢性乙型肝炎和肝细胞癌中的表达及其意义

目的　探讨HLA DR抗原在慢性乙型肝炎和肝细胞癌 (HCC)中的表达及其意义。方法采用免疫组化技术对 2 0例正常肝组织、36例慢性乙型肝炎和 44例HCC中HLA DR抗原的表达进行检测。结果　正常肝组织中肝细胞未见HLA DR抗原表达。慢性乙型肝炎肝细胞HLA DR抗原表达阳性率为 2 7.8% ,其中 ,中度和重度肝炎HLA DR抗原阳性率明显高于轻度肝炎 (阳性率分别为 37.5 %和 2 0 % ,χ2 =13.6 ,P <0 .0 1)。HCC中肿瘤细胞HLA DR抗原表达阳性率为 43.2 %。HLA DR抗原表达与癌周淋巴细胞浸润 (χ2 =0 .5 1,P >0 .0 5 )和转移 (χ2 =2 .9,P >0 .0 5 )无关 ,但与癌组织分化程度有关 (χ2 =4.9,P <0 .0 5 )。结论　HLA DR抗原的异常表达在慢性乙型肝炎免疫损伤、免疫保护和HCC发生、发展中起重要作用     

河南地区汉族人群复发性流产患者HLA-DRB1、DQB1等位基因多态性的研究

目的探讨复发性流产易感性与人类白细胞抗原(HLA)DR、DQ区域基因多态性的关系。方法采用序列特异性引物聚合酶链反应(PCR-SSP),分析200例复发性流产患者(患者组)和200例无不良妊娠史正常妇女(对照组)的DRB1和DQB1基因型。结果患者组中的DQB1*03(39.25%)等位基因频率显著高于对照组(32.5%)(P=0.047<0.05,RR=1.208),DQB1*05(14%)等位基因频率较对照组显著降低(22.75%)(P=0.001<0.05,RR=0.615);患者组中DRB1*09(14%)等位基因频率显著高于对照组(9.25%)(P=0.036<0.05,RR=1.514),DRB1*12(8.5%)等位基因频率较对照组显著降低(14%)(P=0.014<0.05,RR=0.607)。结论河南地区汉族人群中DQB1*03、DRB1*09可能是复发性流产的易感基因,而DQB1*05、DRB1*12可能对复发性流产的发生有保护作用。     

山西汉族原发性干燥综合征与HLA-DQ基因多态性相关性的研究

目的:探讨山西汉族人群原发性干燥综合征(pSS)与HLA-DQ等位基因的相关性,从基因水平上探索pSS的发病机制。方法:应用聚合酶链反应-序列特异性引物(PCR-SSP)法对pSS患者与健康对照进行HLA-DQA1、HLA-DQB1基因的分型;采用χ2检验和Fisher’s精确检验比较两组各等位基因频率的差异。结果:(1)在100例山西汉族健康人及pSS患者中,HLA-DQA1*0501基因频率分别为12.0%和22.0%。与健康对照相比较,pSS患者中HLA-DQA1*0501基因频率显著增高(χ2=7.087,P<0.05,RR=2.068)。(2)pSS患者HLA-DQA1*0301/2等位基因频率为13.0%,显著低于健康对照组的24.5%(χ2=8.681,P<0.05,RR=0.460)。(3)pSS患者中HLA-DQB1*0201基因频率为28.5%,显著高于健康人的18.5%(χ2=5.563,P<0.05,RR=1.756)。结论:HLA-DQA1*0501和HLA-DQB1*0201等位基因可能是山西汉族pSS的易感基因,而HLA-DQA1*0301/2等位基因可能是其保护基因。     

HLA-DR/DQ gene variation in nongoitrous autoimmune thyroiditis at the serological and molecular level.

The etiology of autoimmune diseases is multifactorial with genetic factors being an important prerequisite. There are two clinical manifestations of autoimmune thyroiditis: the goitrous form (Hashimoto's thyroiditis) and the atrophic variant, which is characterized by hypothyroidism (primary myxoedema). Different genetic markers were assumed to be predisposing factors for the distinct clinical presentation. In the present study, we determined HLA A,B,C,DR,DQ alloantigens serologically and HLA-DQ by gene analysis in patients with nongoitrous autoimmune thyroiditis and randomly chosen controls. To verify the exact classifications, thyroid volume (median 5.85 ml) was measured by ultrasonography. HLA-DR5 was found in 16 of 36 (44%) patients with nongoitrous autoimmune thyroiditis and in only 26 of 175 controls (15%) (Pc = 0.0018). There was a tendency towards a lower frequency of HLA-DR7 with 6% positivity in patients vs. 29% in controls (Pc = 0.052). Regarding HLA-DQ, DQ7 was found in 17 of 35 patients (48%) vs. 21 of 98 controls (21%) (Pc = 0.028) (relative risk 3.5). No other association was found with HLA-A,B,C and HLA-DR and -DQ. Our data indicate that the genetic susceptibility to autoimmune nongoitrous thyroiditis is closely associated to HLA-DR5 and DQ7 and not distinct from goitrous disease. We conclude that factors other than genetic ones explain the different immunological and clinical manifestation of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis.     

HLA in familial and nonfamilial Mediterranean Kaposi's sarcoma in Greece

Abstract: Fifty-four (54) unrelated patients with Mediterranean Kaposi's sarcoma (MKS) and 8 patients members of 4 unrelated families with familial MKS were serotyped for HLA-A,B and DR antigens. The diagnosis was histologically confirmed and all patients were negative for anti-HIV antibodies. An increased frequency of HLA-B18 (44.4% vs 14.2% in the controls, p<0.001, RR=4.8) and HLA-DR5 (57.6% vs 37.2% in the controls, p<0.025, RR=2.29) was observed in the group of patients with MKS. Seven (7) of the 8 family members with FMKS possessed HLA-DR5, and the affected members in the 3 families shared a common haplotype which included HLA-DR5. These findings support the hypothesis that genetic factors linked to HLA-DR5 antigen may contribute to the pathogenesis of MKS.     

Association of pulmonar tuberculosis with HLA system antigens in Northeastern Mexico

BACKGROUND: Genetic susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis (PTb) has been associated with the HLA (Antigens of the Human Leukocytes) system of the MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex), mainly with HLA-DR and-DQ antigens. Based on this assumption we carried out a case control study to determine the association of PTb with the HLA-DR and-DQ antigens among a sample of patients attending a medical unit belonging to the Mexican Social Security System (IMSS). METHODS: HLA system phenotypes from cases (n=50) and controls (n=417), were defined serologically using a complement dependent microlymphocytotoxic assay. B lymphocytes were obtained using immunobeads. The allele and haplotype frequencies were determined using the Arlequin version 3.01 computer software. Relative risk (RR) was calculated with the Epimax Table Calculator. RESULTS: The alelles HLA-DR11(5), -DR16(2) and -DQ7(3) and haplotypes /DR11(5)-DQ7(3), /DR14(6)-DQS(1) and /DR16(2)-DQ7(3) had a higher frequency in cases than in controls (RR>1, p<0.05). The HLA-DR17(3) and DQ8(3) alelles and /DR17(3)-DQ2 and /DR4-DQ8(3) haplotypes had a higher frequency among controls than among cases (RR<1, p<.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate an association between PTb with the HLA-DR and -DQ antigens in a Mexican sample. Our results are similar to those found in the international literature.     

Serology versus PCR-SSP in typing for HLA-DR and HLA-DQ: a practical evaluation

Abstract: In this study, serological HLA-DR and -DQ typing results were compared to typing results obtained with sequence-specific primers in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SSP). HLA-DR typing was performed on a random Caucasian population consisting of 31 patients and 73 healthy individuals. Considering HLA-DR1-10, differences in typing results were found in 3 out of 73 healthy individuals and 8 out of 31 patients. When HLA-DR1-16 alleles were taken into account, differences in typing results were found in 11 out of 31 patients and 14 out of 73 healthy individuals. Typing results of PCR-SSP, different from that of serology, were all confirmed by sequencing-based typing of HLA-DRB1 alleles. HLA-DQ 1–3 typings were performed on 40 individuals consisting of 17 patients and 23 healthy individuals. Differences in typing results were found in 5 out of 17 patients and 1 out of 23 healthy individuals. From the results of this study it can be concluded that serology is a reliable technique, when restricted to identification of HLA-DR1-10 and HLA-DQ1-3 antigens in healthy individuals. By PCR-SSP, however, reliable HLA-DR1-16 and -DQ1-3 typings can be obtained both in patients and healthy individuals.     

HLA-DP in rheumatoid arthritis

Frequencies of HLA-DR, Dw and DPw specificities were compared between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, Felty's syndrome (FS) patients and normal controls. It was confirmed that the frequency of DR4 was increased in RA patients (54% (n = 111) vs 23% (n = 272), relative risk (RR) = 3.98, P less than 0.001). Cellular typing showed a highly significant increase in HLA-Dw14 in the entire RA population (17% (n = 32) vs 2% (n = 242), RR = 11.90, P less than 0.001), and a tendency towards an increase of HLA-Dw14 in DR4+ RA patients compared to DR4+ controls (28% (n = 32) vs 11% (n = 47), RR = 3.29, P less than 0.05). Regarding DPw specificities, the only significance was for a negative association with DPw3 (13% vs 22% (n = 254), RR = 0.51, P less than 0.05), with an additional tendential decrease of DPw1 (11% vs 19%, RR = 0.53, not significant (NS]. The decrease of DPw3 was more marked in DR4- RA patients (RR = 0.33, P less than 0.05) than in DR4+ RA patients (RR = 0.69, NS). In FS patients, 96% of whom were DR4+, decreased DPw1 was very marked, whereas the frequency of DPw3 was unaltered compared to DR4+ normals. These alterations in frequencies were not caused by linkage disequilibria between HLA-DR and -DP alleles. Thus, taken together, these data suggest that, in the presence of the major DR4-associated "susceptibility" gene(s) for RA, DPw1 may have "protective" effects, whereas in the absence of DR4, the presence of DPw3 has significant "protective" activity.     

Evidence for the involvement of two different MHC class II regions in susceptibility or protection in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

BACKGROUND: Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a disease with uncertain pathology. Studies have suggested a pathogenic role for T(H)2 cells. Previously, we demonstrated, in a small group of patients, that T(H)2 reactivity to a major Aspergillus fumigatus antigen was restricted by HLA-DR2 or HLA-DR5 alleles. OBJECTIVES: We sought to confirm whether susceptibility to ABPA is exclusively associated with HLA-DR locus and to investigate the involvement of HLA-DQ genes in the development of ABPA. METHODS: Genomic DNA was extracted from patients with ABPA, patients without ABPA but with positive A fumigatus skin test responses and asthma or cystic fibrosis, and healthy control subjects. HLA-DR and HLA-DQ genes were detected by using low-resolution typing; high-resolution typing was done only on HLA-DR2- and HLA-DR5-positive individuals by using sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP). RESULTS: A significantly higher frequency of HLA-DR2 was observed in patients with ABPA versus those without ABPA (corrected P <.01) or healthy control subjects (corrected P <.01). Genotype analysis revealed that susceptibility to ABPA is associated with HLA-DR2 alleles DRB1*1503 and DRB1*1501 and, to a lesser extent, with the HLA-DR5 allele DRB1*1104. The presence of DR4 or DR7 alleles in non-DR2/5 patients with ABPA suggests that these alleles may also be contributing factors in this disease. Another striking observation was the significantly high frequency of HLA-DQ2 in patients without ABPA (67. 4%) compared with patients with ABPA (20.5%) and normal control subjects (37.7%), suggesting that these alleles may confer protection in the population without ABPA. CONCLUSION: These genetic studies suggest that HLA-DR molecules DR2, DR5, and possibly DR4 or DR7 contribute to susceptibility while HLA-DQ2 contributes to resistance and that a combination of these genetic elements determines the outcome of ABPA in patients with cystic fibrosis and asthma.     

Immunogenetics of atopic asthma: association of DRB1*1101 DQA1*0501 DQB1*0301 haplotype with Dermatophagoides spp.-sensitive asthma in a sample of the Venezuelan population

BACKGROUND: Genes linked to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), have been implicated in atopic asthma. Asthma is highly prevalent in the Venezuelan population (estimated at 20%) and genetic markers are needed to identify populations at risk and plan intervention strategies. OBJECTIVE: To study the influence of the MHC class I and class II genes in the susceptibility to atopic asthma. METHODS: MHC-class I HLA-A, -C, -B and MHC-class II HLA-DR, -DQ, -DP gene haplotype frequencies were determined in 135 Venezuelan mestizos, 71 belong to 20 atopic asthmatic families and 64 unrelated controls. The index cases were 20 atopic asthmatics with positive skin-prick tests and specific serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) and Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f). To ascertain the genes associated with susceptibility to atopy and/or asthma, two control groups were studied, 41 non-atopic subjects with skin-prick negative test, and undetectable levels of specific IgE and 23 non-asthmatic atopic subjects with detectable specific IgE to Der p and Der f. A linkage analysis was performed in those families with two or more atopic siblings (with or without asthma). RESULTS: MHC-class I genes analysis showed that HLA-Cw7 was absent in the asthmatic patients studied, whereas the frequency of this allele was 14.3% in non-atopic controls (P = 0.0 17, PC = 0.19) and 20.8% in the atopic controls (P = 0.0066, PC = 0.07). MHC-class II gene analysis showed a significant increase of the HLA-DRB1*11 in the asthmatic patients compared with non-atopic controls (allele frequencies of 25.6 vs 4.4% P = 0.0017, PC = 0.02). There were no significant differences among asthmatic and atopic controls in the frequency of HLA-DRB1*11 (25.6 vs 17.4%). In contrast, the HLA-DRB1*1101+ haplotypes were significantly higher in asthmatics compared with atopic and non-atopic controls (19.6% vs 2.2% vs 2.3%, PC<0.05). The HLA-DRB1*1101, DQA1*0501, DQB1*0301 haplotype was found significantly increased in the patients vs non-atopic controls (15.4 vs 1.1%, PC< 0.01). The serum levels of specific IgE were detectable in both atopic asthmatics and atopic controls; however, it was higher in atopic asthmatics vs atopic controls Der p (median, 58.7 vs 2.7 kU/L, P<0.001) and Der f (median, 46.9 vs 2.7 kU/L, P<0.001). No linkage between MHC genes and mite-atopy could be documented on informative families with two or more atopic siblings. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified an association between the haplotype HLA-DRB1*1101, DQA1*0501, DQB1*0301 and atopic asthma that confers susceptibility to develop mite-sensitive asthma to atopics (relative risk, RR 8.2), and to non-atopic controls (RR = 15.8) that carry this haplotype. Conversely, the allele HLA-Cw7 was absent in the asthmatics studied and had higher frequencies in the atopic (RR = 0.05) and non-atopic (RR = 0.08) controls. Thus, it may have a protective role for developing atopic asthma in the population studied.     

Transporter associated with antigen-processing (TAP) genes and susceptibility to tuberculoid leprosy and pulmonary tuberculosis

We have studied TAP polymorphism in a panel of 40 healthy individuals, 57 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and 50 with tuberculoid (TT) leprosy from North India. Only TAP2-A/F occurred with a significantly increased frequency in PTB patients as compared to controls (82.5% vs. 52.5%, P<0.002, Pc<0.01) giving a high relative risk of 4.3. On the other hand, TAP2-B was significantly increased in TT leprosy as compared to controls (76% vs. 47.5%, Pc<0.003, RR 3.5) particularly in patients positive for HLA-DR15 than controls carrying DR15 (77.5% vs. 50%, P<0.03, RR=3.4). Further, TAP2-B allele was positively associated with DR15 negative PTB patients as compared to the DR15 positive group (43.8% vs. 17.1%, P<0.04, RR=0.3), This study along with our earlier studies on HLA association in mycobacterial diseases suggests that in addition to HLA-DR15, alleles in the TAP2 region influence susceptibility to PTB and TT leprosy.     

HLA and immunoglobulin polymorphisms in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is an idiopathic heart muscle disorder. The presence of circulating cardiac antibodies and the association with HLA-DR4 are consistent with autoimmune pathogenesis in a subset of patients. Sixty-eight DCM patients and 277 controls were typed for IgG heavy-chain constant region (Gm) and kappa light-chain (Km) allotypes. All patients and 210 of the 277 controls were HLA-DR typed. The Gm (1, 3, 17; 23; 5*, 21, 28) phenotype was overrepresented in DCM compared with controls (25% vs 13%, p = 0.0139, pc = NS, RR = 2.23). The frequency of this phenotype was higher in patients with younger age at onset, shorter symptom duration, and among those who were positive for cardiac as well as for non-organ-specific autoantibodies than in controls. A higher frequency of the Gm (1, +/- 2, 3, 17; +/- 23; 5*, 21, 28) heterozygous phenotypes was also found in DCM compared to controls (40.91% vs 26.89%; p = 0.02, pc = 0.04, RR = 1.88). The finding of Gm heterozygosity in DCM was associated with serum positivity for cardiac antibodies. A higher proportion of DCM patients were positive for both the Gm (1, 3, 17; 23; 5*, 21, 28) phenotype and HLA-DR4 compared to normals (3/68 vs 0/210; p = 0.04, RR = 22.50).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)