Identification of new DRB1*07 (DRBl*0703), DRB1*08 (DRB1*0817) and two DRB3* (DRB3*0302 and DRB3* 01014) alleles

Abstract: We report here the identification of four novel DRB alleles using a reverse hybridization (CANTYPE) assay. Molecular cloning and sequencing confirmed the initial unusual hybridization patterns. All four new alleles were detected during routine HLA typing for the Canadian Unrelated Bone Marrow Donor Registry. DRBl*0703 is identical to DRB1*0701 except for a single nudeotide substitution (AGA→AGT), changing codon 29 from Arg to Ser, a so far undetected DRB polymorphism. DRB1*0817 differs from DRBl*0801 by a single nucleotide substitution (TAC→TTC), changing codon 47 from Tyr to Phe. This polymorphism has not, until now, been identified in DRB1*08 alleles. Compared with DRB3*0301, DRB3*0302 contains a single nucleotide substitution (TAC→CAC) at codon 30, changing the encoded Tyr to His. This polymorphism is typical for DRB3*02 alleles. DRB3*01014 is identical to DRB3*0101 except for a single silent nucleotide substitution (GGG→GGA) at codon 84. This polymorphism has previously only been described for the DRB1*15012 allele. DRB1*0817, DRB3*0302 and DRB3*01014 may have arisen from gene conversion, but DRB1*0703 most likely was generated by a point mutation event. The DRB3*0302 allele was detected in two unrelated subjects, while the other three have each only been detected once.     

A novel DRB3 allele (DRB3*0208), a new allelic variant of DRB1*1502 (DRB1*15023) and two new DQB1 (DQBl*03012 and DQB1*0614) alleJes

Abstract: Four novel HLA Class II alleles were identified using CANTYPE reverse hybridization assay. The initial unusual SSO hybridization patterns were confirmed by cloning and sequencing analysis. DRB3*0208 allele is identical to DRB3*0202 except for three nucleotide substitutions (GAT→ AGC) changing codon 57 from Asp to Ser. This polymorphism has so far been undetected in DRB3 alleles. DRB1*15023 differs from DRB1*15021 by a single silent nucleotide substitution (AAC→AAT, both encoding for Asn) at codon 33. This polymorphism has not, until now, been identified in DRB alleles. Compared with DQB1*03011, the novel DQB1*03012 contains a single silent nucleotide substitution (GCA→GCG, both encoding for Ala) at codon 38. Finally, DQB1*0614 allele is identical to DQB1*0603 except for a single nucleotide substitution (TAC→ TTC), changing codon 9 from Tyr to Phe. Polymorphisms observed here in the DQB1*03012 and DQB1*0614 alleles are present in several of the known DQB1 alleles. DRB3*0208, DQB1*03012 and DQB1*0614 may have arisen from gene conversion, but the DRB1*15023 most likely was generated by a point mutation event. DQB1*0614 was detected in three related subjects, while each of the other three new alleles has only been detected once.     

Identification of three novel alleles: DRB3*0110, DRB1*1140, and DRB1*140102

Three novel human leukocyte antigen class II alleles (DRB3*0110, DRB1*1140, and DRB1*140102) are described here. The three novel alleles were initially detected as previously unidentified SSO hybridization patterns using CANTYPE((R)) reverse hybridization assay. Sequences were determined by cloning/sequencing. DRB3*0110 allele is identical to DRB3*010101, except for a single nucleotide substitution (CGC-->AGC) changing codon 39 from Arg to Ser. This polymorphism has not, until now, been identified in DRB allele. Thus, this is an unusual mutation as the codon 39 is a fairly conserved region. The new DRB1*1140 is identical to DRB1*1116, except for a single nucleotide substitution at codon 67 from ATC (encoding for isoleucine) to TTC (encoding for phenylalanine). This polymorphism is commonly found in DRB1*11 alleles. Compared with DRB1*140101, DRB1*140102 contains a single silent nucleotide substitution (TAT-->TAC, both encoding for tyrosine) at codon 78. This polymorphism is commonly found in DRB1*14 alleles. The three new DRB alleles may have been generated by a point mutation event. The DRB3*0110 and DRB1*140102 were identified in Caucasoid individuals. The ethnic origin of the subject carrying the DRB1*1140 allele is Egyptian. The DRB1*140102 was detected in two unrelated individuals; the DRB3*0110 and DRB1*1140 were only identified once, in a total population of 80,000.     

Identification of novel DRBI*13 (DRB1*1333), DRB1*04(DRB1*0426) and DRB5* (DRB5*0109) alleles

Abstract: Three novel HLA class H alleles (DRB1*1333, DRB1*O426, DRB5*0109) are described here. The 3 novel alleles were initially detected as previously unidentified SSO hybridization patterns using the CANTYPE reverse hybridization assay. Sequences were determined by cloning/sequencing. DRB1*1333 is identical to DRB1*1303 except for a single nucleotide substitution (ACC→AAC), changing codon 77 from Thr to Asn. This polymorphism is typical for DRB1*03 alleles. DRB1*0426 is identical to DRB1*0401 except for a single nucleotide substitution (GCC→ACC) at codon 58, changing the encoded Ala to Thr. DRB5*0109 is identical to DRB5*0101, except for a single nucleotide substitution (GAC→AAC), changing codon 70 from Asp to Asn. Both latter polymorphisms were so far undetected in DRB alleles. DRB1*1333 could have arisen from a gene conversion event, but DRB1*0426 and DRB5*0109 most likely were generated by point mutation events. For all 3 alleles, the sequence was confirmed by the original hybridization pattern (DRB1*1333) or by hybridization to a newly designed probe (DRB1*0426 and DRB5*0109). Ethnic backgrounds were Lebanese for DRB1*1333 and Caucasian for DRB1*0426 and DRB5*0109.     

Identification of a novel DRB1-allele (DRB1*0106) by sequence-based typing

We report herein the identification of a new DRB1 allele using sequence-based typing. The new allele, DRB1*0106, was detected during routine HLA typing of a patient undergoing bone marrow transplantation. DRB1*0106 is identical to DRB1*0101 except for two codons, 71 (AGG-->GCG) and 86 (GGT-->GTG), changing the encoded arginine to alanine and glycine to valine. Both sequences were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP). The polymorphism at codon 71 has not been, until now, identified in DRB1*01 alleles, although it is present in all the DRB1*15 alleles as well as DRB1*1309 and DRB1*1424.     

Description of three novel HLA-DRB3 alleles: DRB3*010105, DRB3*0112 and DRB3*0113

This communication describes three novel DRB3 alleles whose exon 2 sequences are identical to that of DRB3*010102 except for a single nucleotide substitutions. Comparing with DRB3*010102, the sequence of DRB3*010105, DRB3*0112, and DRB3*0113 differ at codon 31 (TTC -> TTT), codon 84 (GGG -> CGG; Gly -> Arg), and codon 37 (TTC -> CTC; Phe -> Leu), respectively.     

Identification by sequencing based typing and complete coding region analysis of three new HLA class II alleles: DRB3*0210, DRB3*0211 and DQB1*0310

The study of HLA class II polymorphism by direct exon 2 DNA sequencing analysis has been established to be a reliable and accurate high-resolution typing procedure. This approach shows some advantages in relation to previous methods, polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific oligonucleotides (PCR-SSO) and sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP), basically due to the capability of analysis for the complete sequenced genomic region, including non-polymorphic motifs. DRB3 and DQB1 sequencing based typing (SBT) in unrelated bone marrow donor searching allowed us to detect three new alleles. The complete coding region sequences were characterised from cDNA. Two new DRB3 alleles, DRB3*0210 and DRB3*0211, were described in two Caucasian bone marrow donors. Both sequences showed single point mutations regarding DRB3*0202, producing amino acid replacements at positions 51 (Asp to Thr) and 67 (Leu to Ile), respectively. These two point mutations can be found in other DRB alleles, and suggest that gene conversion would be involved in the origin of both alleles. A new DQB1 sequence was found in a Spanish patient that showed two nucleotide differences, positions 134 and 141, with regard to its close similar DQB1*03011 allele. Only substitution at position 134 provoked amino acid replacement at residue 45, Glu to Gly. This single amino acid change would be involved in the lack of serologic recognition of this new molecule by DQ7-specific reagents.     

Novel HLA-DRB1 alleles revealed by sequencing based typing,DRB1*04053 and DRB1*1143

We report the discovery of two HLA-DRB1 alleles by sequencing based typing (SBT). DRB1*04053 differs from previously reported DRB1 alleles by a single synonymous nucleotide substitution, resulting in a unique polymorphism at codon 93. DRB1*1143 differs from previously identified DRB1 alleles by a single non-synonymous nucleotide substitution, resulting in a polymorphism observed in other DRB1 and DRB3 alleles1.     

Identification of a novel HLA-DRB1 allele,DRB1*0108, by sequence-based DRB typing in two siblings

We report here a novel DRB1 allele identified during sequence-based HLA-DRB typing. This allele was detected during routine HLA typing of a patient and his family prior to bone marrow transplantation. The new allele, DRB1*0108, was found in the patient and in a brother. Molecular cloning and sequencing confirmed that the new DRB1 allele is identical to DRB1*0101 at exon 2 except for a single nucleotide substitution at codon 37 (TauCC-->TauAlphaC), changing the encoded serine to tyrosine. This position of the beta1 domain lies in the floor of the antigen-binding groove and shows the highest polymorphism among DRB1 alleles.     

Identification of a novel DRB1 allele, DRB1*1112, by sequence-based DRB typing

We report here a novel DRB1 allele (DRB1*1112) identified during sequence-based HLA-DRB typing. Polymerase chain reaction with generic DRB primers and group-specific primers and subsequent sequencing yielded identical results. Molecular cloning and sequencing confirmed that the new DRB1 allele is identical to DRB1*11011 and 1129 at exon 2 except for a single nucleotide substitution at codon 37, changing the codon from Tyr (DRB1*11011) or Ser (DRB1*1129) to Phe.     

Identification of a new DRB3*02 allele (DRB3*0207) by sequence-based typing

A new DRB3*02 allele (DRB3*0207) was detected in a female Luxembourg Caucasian blood donor by sequence-based typing. The new allele differs from DRB3*0202 by two substitutions in codon 57 resulting in an amino acid change from a charged aspartic acid to a neutral valine. This is the first example of a DRB3 allele pair differing only at codon 57.     

Identification of a novel allele, DRB1*1340, in two Brazilian individuals

We identified a novel HLA-DRB1 allele, named DRB1*1340 by the WHO HLA Nomenclature Committee, in two Brazilian individuals. Typing by polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes (PCR-SSOP) showed a DRB1*13 allele with an unusual hybridization pattern. DNA sequencing of both strands and comparison of the sequence with previously described DRB1 alleles revealed that the most similar allele is DRB1*1301, from which DRB1*1340 differs by a single nucleotide (T-->A) in exon 2, at position 127, codon 47 (Phe-->Tyr). The sequence received accession number AJ237964 from the EMBL database.     

Identification of three new DRB1 alleles,DRB1*0107, *0425 and *13012 and confirmation of DRB4*01033

The characterization of three novel DRB1 alleles is described, DRB1*0107, DRB1*0425 and DRB1*13012 as well as confirmation of DRB4*01033. Two alleles, DRB1*0107 and *0425, showed amino acid differences with previously identified HLA molecules. In DRB1*0107, the glutamine at position 10 was substituted by a glutamic acid. DRB1*0425 showed one amino acid difference with DRB1*0418 (I to F) at position 67, and five amino acid differences with DRB1*04011 at positions 67 (L to F), 70 (Q to D), 71 (K to R), 74 (A to L) and 86 (G to V). The alleles DRB1*13012 and DRB4*01033 had protein sequences identical to DRB1*13011 and DRB4*01031/01032, respectively. Nucleotide differences were present at position 306 for DRB1*13012 and at position 321 for DRB4*01033.     

A new HLA-DRB1*11 allele, DRB1*1144, identified by cloning and sequencing

We report here the identification of a novel DRB1*11 allele, DRB1*1144, identified during sequence-based HLA-DRB1 typing. Molecular cloning and direct sequencing confirmed that the new allele is identical to DRB1*110401 at exon 2, except for a single nucleotide substitution (GTG-->GCG) changing codon 38 from Valine to Alanine.     

Identification of a novel DR4 allele, DRB1*0442

A new DRB1 allele encoding DR4, DRB1*0442, was identified in three Caucasian siblings by reverse in-line hybridization and defined by sequencing based typing. The DRB1*0442 allele differs from DRB1*0404 by a single nucleotide at position 227 (T-->A) of codon 47 in exon 2. At the amino acid level, this substitution results in a change from tyrosine to phenylalanine. Serologically, the new allele appears to retain the DR4 antigenicity; however, this substitution may affect peptide-binding specificity.     

High-resolution HLA typing for the DRB3/4/5 genes by sequence-based typing

The high degree of polymorphism of the HLA genes at the nucleotide sequence level has proven sequence-based typing a major typing strategy. For DRB1 the allelic variability is predominantly present in the second exon and by DNA sequencing of exon 2 all hitherto known DRB1 alleles can be detected. For the associated genes DRB3, DRB4 and DRB5 the situation is slightly different. Allelic differences are not limited to exon 2 and the sequence of exon 3 and sometimes exon 4 is needed for complete subtyping. Oligonucleotides to amplify the exons needed for subtyping of DRB3, DRB4 and DRB5 were designed. Gene-specific products were generated to make simultaneous detection of alleles in heterozygous combinations possible. In this way 238 individuals were fully typed for their DRB3, 4 and 5 subtypes. Additional samples were typed for only one of the genes. All samples had been previously typed by PCR-SSP. Concordant typing results were obtained for all individuals tested. The DRB3 alleles typed for included *0101, *0201, *0202 and *0301, for DRB4 they were *01011, *0102 and *0103 and for DRB5 *0101, *0102, *0103, *0105, *0201, *0202 and *0203. All alleles were easily detected by the protocol described except for DRB5*0201. Sequencing of exon 3 and 4 of the DRB5*0201 allele showed this allele to be a sequencing error and the sequences obtained were identical to the exon 2, 3 and 4 sequences of DRB5*0202. Two new alleles were identified in the samples studied, DRB4*0105 and DRB3*0207. Sequence based typing has been recognized as a valuable tool for HLA typing of DRB1, DQB1 and DPB1 since several years. It is shown to be a superior typing method as well in the detection of the different DRB3, 4 and 5 subtypes.     

Six newly identified HLA-DRB alleles: DRB1*1121, *1419, *1420, *1421, DRB3*0203 and DRB5*0103

Seven samples with irregular PCR-SSO hybridization patterns, observed during routine HLA-DRB typing, were studied in more detail. Group-specific amplification, followed by hybridization with relevant SSOs strengthened the suggestion that these samples contained new DRB alleles. DRB exon 2 segments were amplified, cloned and sequenced and revealed: DRB1*1121 [MUL] is similar to DRB 1*1102 in which codon 85 changed from GTT(V) into GTC(A); DRB1*1419 [AKKAL] is similar to DRB1*1402 with codon 71 changed from AGG(R) into AAG(K); DRB1*1420 [OND-52971] is a DRB1*1406 with codon 37 changed from AAC(N) into TTC(F); DRB1*1421 [TGI] is similar to DRB1*1417 with codon 71 changed from AGG(R) into AAG(K); DRB3*0203 [POS] is similar to DRB3*0202 in which codons 37–38 are changed from TAC GCG(YA) into TCC GTC(SV); DRB5*0103 was found in two unrelated individuals of Oriental origin [IND-24 and IND-59] and is similar to DRB5*0102 in which codon 71 AGG(R) changed into ACG(T). This particular sequence variation at position 71 has not yet been described. The new DRB sequences were confirmed using the sequencing based typing technique. Low resolution PCR-SSP typing failed to amplify two of the DRB1*14 variants, whereas high resolution PCR-SSP resulted in aberrant patterns. Class II alloantisera identify the codon 71 changes in DRB1*1419 and *1421 with respect to the MC1('DR1+DR4') epitope.     

Novel HLA-DRB3 alleles discovered during routine sequencing based typing,DRB3*02023, DRB3*0212, DRB3*0213 and DRB3*03012

We report the discovery of four HLA-DRB3 alleles during routine sequencing based typing (SBT); DRB3*02023, DRB3*0212, DRB3*0213 and DRB3*03012. These alleles differ from other HLA-DRB3 alleles by previously undescribed single nucleotide polymorphisms.     

A novel DRB1*04 allele

Discovery of the novel DRB1*0464 allele is described. This allele contains a nucleotide substitution in codon 13 that changes the amino acid histidine coded for in all other DRB1*04 alleles to tyrosine. This allele was found in a parent and one child of a North American Caucasian family with the haplotype: A*03, B*07, DRB1*0464, DRB4*0103, DQB1*0301.     

Polymorphism of human HLA-DRB1 antigens generated by genetic exchange between DR2 (DRB1*15011) and DR6 (DRB1*1405) alleles: a novel DRB1 allele (DRB1*1437) identified in a Paiwan tribe member of Taiwan

We report herein the identification of a new DRB1 allele using sequence-based typing (SBT). This novel allele, HLA-DRB1*1437, was found in an aboriginal individual from the Paiwan tribe in the southern part of Taiwan. This individual was typed by SBT method as having an HLA genotype of HLA-A*02011/0203, HLA-B*15011/3901, HLA-DRB1*11011/1437, HLA-DRB3*0202/0202, and HLA-DPB1*0501/1301. This new allele differs from DRB1*1309 in the 5'-end nucleotide sequence of polymorphic exon 2 at codon 16 (CAT-->CAA; H16Q), codon 37 (AAC-->TTC; R37F), codon 47 (TTC-->TAC; F47Y), and codon 58 (GCC-->GCT; both specify alanine). By sequence comparison, it was found that this new allele has a 5'-end sequence (from amino acid residues 7 to 66) identical to that found in the DRB1*1405 allele and a 3'-end sequence (from amino acid residues 58 to 94) identical to that found in the DRB1*15011 allele. Both DRB1*1405 and DRB1*15011 alleles have been identified among the Paiwan members (Note).