Association of soluble HLA-G plasma levels with HLA-G alleles

Soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) molecules are found in the peripheral blood of healthy females and males, in cord blood and in amniotic fluids and discussed to be a mediator in maternal-fetal tolerance. In this study we investigated whether there are allele-specific differences in expression of sHLA-G molecules. For this, the sHLA-G plasma concentrations of 94 healthy unrelated individuals were measured by ELISA and correlated to their HLA-G genotypes, as determined by sequence analysis of exon 2 and 3 of the HLA-G gene. Mean sHLA-G levels in individuals with the most common HLA-G alleles G*01011 (27.0+/-2.1 SEM ng/ml, n=66), G*01012 (28.4+/-3.2 SEM ng/ml, n=34) were very similar. In contrast, individuals carrying the HLA-G*01013 (8.1+/-1.7 SEM ng/ml, n=17) or the "null" allele HLA-G*0105N (8.2+/-3.2 SEM ng/ml, n=7) presented significantly (P(c)=0.001 and P(c)<0.01, resp.) reduced sHLA-G levels. Furthermore, individuals with the HLA-G*01041 allele had significantly (P(c)=0.004) increased sHLA-G levels (42.5+/-4.6 SEM ng/ml, n=14). These results demonstrate that the generation of sHLA-G molecules is associated to certain HLA-G alleles and imply that sHLA-G levels are under genetic control. As low and high sHLA-G plasma levels did not segregate with HLA haplotypes including the HLA-G*01013 or *01041 allele, additional mechanisms may be involved in the regulation of the individual sHLA-G levels. Nevertheless, the existence of "low" and "high secretor" HLA-G alleles further suggests different levels of functionality in immune regulation.     

Analysis of human leukocyte antigen-G polymorphism including intron 4 in Japanese couples with habitual abortion

PROBLEM: The purpose of this study was to clarify whether there is a difference between the allele frequency of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G in healthy Japanese people and that of Japanese couples with habitual abortion. METHOD OF STUDY: Exons 2, 3, 4, and intron 4 of the HLA-G gene were analyzed in 20 couples with habitual abortion, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. Intron 4 of the HLA-G gene was also analyzed in 54 healthy individuals. The nucleotide sequence of the PCR product of intron 4 was further determined by direct sequencing. RESULTS: Two kinds of nucleotide sequence were identified in intron 4 of the HLA-G gene, one of which was identical to that of HLA-G*01011, and the other was identical to that of HLA-G*01012, G*01013, and G*0104. The frequency of each allele in affected women and their husbands did not significantly differ from that of healthy individuals, and no mutation was found in any affected couple. CONCLUSION: HLA-G allelic abnormality seemed to have little, if any, implication in the pathogenesis of habitual abortion.     

Allele frequencies of human leukocyte antigen-G in a Korean population

The human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G is a nonclassical major histocompatibility complex class I molecule with relatively limited polymorphism. The differences in allele frequency according to ethnicity and country have not been studied enough, so far. Therefore, fundamental data including allele frequencies and polymorphism are needed for studies on immunological function of HLA-G in each population. We investigated allele frequencies and 14-bp polymorphism of the HLA-G in Koreans. HLA-G alleles and 14-bp polymorphisms were determined by sequence-based typing analysis of exons 2-4 and polymerase chain reaction of exon 8 in 200 unrelated individuals. Genotyping analysis identified eight different HLA-G alleles, which indicates that the Korean population presents limited HLA-G allelic polymorphism. HLA-G*01:01:01:01 and G*01:04:01 were frequent alleles (42.5% and 34.0%), and allelic frequencies were similar to those of other Asian populations. The 14-bp deletion alleles are higher (78%) in Koreans, although the frequencies of the 14-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism have been known to be nearly equal in many Caucasian populations. HLA-G*01:01:08 was reported strong linkage disequilibrium with the 14-bp deletion in a previous report; the same allele was accompanied with 14-bp insertion in our study. There are a few studies investigating allele frequencies, and most of them were studied before high-resolution method era. This is the first study regarding HLA-G genotypes in Korean, which were identified by high-resolution method. From this study, we identified HLA-G frequencies of a Korean population and expect this study could help further investigations for immunological and clinical implications of HLA-G.     

上海汉族人群MICA基因第5外显子微卫星多态性研究

目的 了解上海地区汉族人群ＭＩＣＡ基因第５外显子微卫生多态性分布,以及ＭＩＣＡ基因与其紧密连锁的ＨＬＡ－Ｂ基因位点的关系。方法 用ＰＣＲ－异源双链分析法,对１７５名正常无关个体的ＭＩＣＡ基因第５外显子微卫星多态性的分布进行研究。结果 （１）上海地区汉族人群ＭＩＣＡ基因第５外显子存在５种等位基因,其中ＭＩＣＡ＊Ａ５最为常见（３９．１４％）,其次为＊Ａ５．１（２２．２９％）;（２）ＭＩＣＡ等位基因与Ｈ     

Interaction of HLA-DRB1*1501 allele and TNF-alpha -308 G/A single nucleotide polymorphism in the susceptibility to multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a multifactorial disorder with complex genetic basis. It is believed that genes encoding HLA molecule and cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of MS. In this study, we have evaluated the impact of HLA-DRB1*1501 allele and TNF-alpha -308 G/A single nucleotide polymorphism, and their interaction, in the susceptibility to MS in Iranian population. Genomic DNA samples were prepared from whole blood of 366 MS Patients and 414 control subjects. The genotypes were determined by SSP-PCR method. Frequency of alleles and genotypes were compared between the two groups by using Fisher's exact test. HLA-DRB1*1501 allele was more frequent among patients (OR=1.57, P=0.0026). TNF-α -308 G allele and G/G genotype had higher frequency among MS patients than control subjects (G vs. A: OR=1.26, P<0.05); G/G vs. A/A: OR=4.59, P=0.0003). The odds ratio was higher among HLA-DRB1*1501 positive individuals. Co-existence of TNF G and HLA-DRB1*1501 alleles showed higher prevalence among MS patients (OR=7.07, P=0.0007). Our results have shown that HLA-DRB1*1501 allele and TNF-α -308 G/A polymorphism are associated with the risk of multiple sclerosis in Iranian population. We also observed an interaction between these two loci that support the role of HLA alleles and cytokine genes and gene-gene interaction in the development and pathogenesis of MS.     

Linkage disequilibrium between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II and HLA-G--possible implications for human reproduction and autoimmune disease

A line of investigation indicates that one or several genes in the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) influences reproductive success. Studies have revealed associations between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II genes and risk of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) and pre-eclampsia. However, these genes are not expressed at the feto-maternal interface. Furthermore, associations between polymorphisms in the nonclassical HLA class Ib gene, HLA-G, and reproductive outcome have been demonstrated. HLA-G is expressed by extravillous trophoblast during pregnancy, making it a more obvious candidate gene for a possible influence on pregnancy outcome. HLA-G has immunomodulatory functions. We have studied linkage disequilibrium between HLA class II genes, primarily HLA-DRB1 alleles, and HLA-G alleles in women with RSA and their partners (n = 103) and in control women and their partners (n = 92). We found a significant linkage disequilibrium between HLA-DR3 and HLA-G*010102 in both the RSA and control populations. For all four studied HLA loci, the alleles in the haplotype HLA-DRB1*03.DQA1*05.DQB1*02.G*010102 was in clear linkage disequilibrium. This HLA haplotype has repeatedly been associated with different autoimmune diseases but also with RSA. The G*010102 allele includes a 14-bp sequence polymorphism in the 3' untranslated region of the gene, which has been associated with differences in HLA-G mRNA alternative splicing and stability. This 14-bp polymorphism has also been associated with RSA, pre-eclampsia, and outcome of in vitro fertilization. Implications of HLA polymorphism--and other polymorphic genes in the MHC for pregnancy outcome--and for autoimmune diseases during pregnancy are discussed.     

HLA class II (DRB1, DQA1 and DQB1) associated genetic susceptibility in Iranian multiple sclerosis (MS) patients

The association of HLA class II alleles with multiple sclerosis (MS) has been amply documented. In the present study, the role of HLA class II (DRB1, DQA1 and DQB1) alleles and haplotypes was investigated in 43 unrelated Iranian chronic progressive multiple sclerosis (CP-MS) patients compared with 100 healthy individuals. HLA typing for DRB1, DQA1 and DQB1 was performed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Subtypes of DR4, DR15 and DR16 were defined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP). The results show that, among DR2-positive MS patients and the control group, a positive association with the DRB1*1503, DQA1*0102, DQB1*0602 haplotype (21% vs. 2.7%, P=0.057, RR=9.8) and a negative association with the most frequent DR15 haplotype in the control group, DRB1*15021, DQA1*0103, DQB1*0601 (7% vs. 24.3%, P=0.001), were observed. No significant association was found with the analysed HLA-DRB1, DQA1 and DQB1 alleles.     

Human leukocyte antigen class II allele frequencies and haplotype association in Iranian normal population.

The polymorphism of the HLA class II genes DRB1, DQA1, and DQB1 was investigated in 100 unrelated Iranian individuals from Fars province in Southern Iran, using the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method. Subtyping of DRB1*04, *15, and *16 alleles was performed using PCR amplification with sequence specific primes (PCR-SSP). The allele and the haplotype frequencies were calculated. The most common DRB1 alleles were DRB1*11, DRB1*15, and DRB1*04 with a frequency of 25.0%, 14.5%, and 10.5%, respectively. In contrast, the allelic frequency of DRB1*12 and DRB1*08 was very low (1.5% for each). In the DR15 group DRB1*1501 was the most prevalent variant (6.0%). Concerning DR4, the most common alleles were DRB1*0405 and DRB1*0402 (3.5% for each). Interestingly, DRB1*0402 was associated with DQB1*0302 and DRB1*0405 was associated with DQB1*0302 and DQB1*02, the latter being a rare DRB1/DQB1 haplotype in Caucasian individuals. The most frequent DQB1 alleles were DQB1*0301 (31.0%), and DQB1*05 (22.0%). The most frequent DQA1 variants were DQA1*0501 (39.0%) and DQA1*0102 (14.5%). The most common haplotype was DRB1*11-DQB1*0301-DQA1*0501 (25.0%) followed by DRB1*0301-DQB1*02-DQA1*0501 (10%) and DRB1*0701- DQB1*02-DQA1*0201 (6.5%). Data presented in this study suggest that the Iranian population shares some HLA components with populations resident in eastern and southern European countries.     

用PCR-SSP方法研究广西壮族HLA-DQA1和B1基因多态性

目的　检测广西壮族ＨＬＡＤＱＡ１ ,Ｂ１ 基因的多态性。方法　应用ＰＣＲＳＳＰ 方法对１４０ 名健康、无血缘关系广西壮族人的ＨＬＡＤＱＡ１ 和ＤＱＢ１ 进行基因分型。结果　共检出７ 个ＤＱＡ１ 等位基因和１６ 个ＤＱＢ１ 等位基因。在检出的ＤＱＡ１ 等位基因中,０３０１ 的基因频率最高（３５ ％ ） ,０４０１ 的基因频率最低（１ ．１ ％ ） 。在ＤＱＢ１ 等位基因中,０６０１（２２ ．１ ％ ） ,０３０１（２０ ．７ ％ ） ,０５０１（１３ ．９ ％ ） 最为常见。未检出的等位基因包括ＨＬＡＤＱＡ１ ＊ ０２０１ ,０３０２ ,０６０１ ,ＤＱＢ１ ＊ ０６０３ ,０６０５ 和０６０８ 。结论　广西壮族ＨＬＡＤＱＡ１ ,Ｂ１ 基因的多态性不仅有中华民族的特点,而且也有其独特性。     

Analysis of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G polymorphism in normal women and in women with recurrent spontaneous abortions.

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G is a non-classical class I antigen. It has limited expression, but is high at the foetomaternal interface. This unique expression pattern of HLA-G suggests that it might be important for survival of the foetus during pregnancy. In the present study, 120 women with recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA) and 120 fertile control women were genotyped for the HLA-G locus. This is the first report describing HLA-G polymorphism in normal fertile and RSA women from India. The allele HLA-G*010103 was higher in women with recurrent foetal losses. Interestingly, the HLA-G*010105 and G*010108 alleles were totally absent in normal fertile women but present in RSA women with frequencies of 1.7% and 0.4%, respectively. Allele G*010107 was absent in both the groups. The frequency of the null allele G*0105N was high (13.8%) in our population as compared to other world populations. Our data support the hypothesis that HLA-G polymorphism may contribute to recurrent foetal loss.     

中国湖北汉族HLA—Ⅱ类等痊基因频率的群体调查

调查中国湖北汉族人群ＨＬＡ－Ⅱ类基因频率。方法,用聚合酶链反应／序列特异性引物和聚合酶链反应／限制性片段长度多态性技术,对中国湖北汉族１６８名正常个体进行了ＨＬＡ－ＤＲＢ１（ｎ＝１６８）、ＨＬＡ－ＤＱＢ１（ｎ＝１６０）、ＨＬＡ－ＤＰＢ１（ｎ＝９３）基因的多态性检测。结果共检出３９种ＤＲＢ１、１５种ＤＱＢ１和１７种ＤＰＢ１等位基因型别,等位基因频率较高的分别是：ＤＲＢ１＊０９０１（ｇｅｎｅｆｒｅｑｕ     

HLA-G polymorphism in a Chinese Han population with recurrent spontaneous abortion

Reproduction is an important biological phenomenon posing an immunological paradox because the semiallogeneic fetus survives by evading maternal immune recognition. The detailed mechanisms behind this maternal-fetal immunotolerance remain elusive. Human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-G, a non-classical HLA class I antigen, initially identified as a molecule selectively expressed on extravillous cytotrophoblasts and first studied in the context of pregnancy, has long been supposed to play a critical role in fetal-maternal immunotolerance. To investigate the role of HLA-G polymorphism in this process and whether the HLA-G genotype is associated with an increased risk for a subsequent miscarriage, 69 women with three or more recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA) and 146 fertile control women were genotyped for the HLA-G locus in this study. To our knowledge, this is the first report on HLA-G polymorphism in RSA and in normal fertile women from a Chinese Han population. Nine HLA-G alleles were detected in the fertile control group; however, the allele HLA-G*0103 was absent in the RSA group. No statistical significance was observed in the distribution of HLA-G alleles between the two groups. The frequency of the null allele HLA-G*0105 N in the RSA group and in normal fertile women is 0.7% and 1.4%, respectively. Our data suggested that there was no association of HLA-G polymorphism with RSA.     

Ethnic variation of the HLA-G*0105N allele in two Chinese populations

Unlike high polymorphic classical human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules, the genetic polymorphism of HLA-G is very limited. However, the prevalence of HLA-G alleles among different ethnic populations varied dramatically. The HLA-G null allele (HLA-G*0105N) is defined by a cytosine deletion (ΔC) at position 1597 in exon 3, which disrupts the reading frame and alters the expression of HLA-G proteins. The HLA-G*0105N allelic frequency was investigated in previous studies and possible roles were addressed. In the current study, a total of 310 Chinese Han and 260 Chinese She ethnic minority population had been genotyped for the G*0105N polymorphism. Marked difference was observed that the G*0105N allelic frequency in Chinese Han was 1.61%, while no copy of the null allele was observed in the Chinese She minority population ( P _c = 0.0073). Data also revealed that no homozygote of HLA-G*0105N allele exists in this Chinese Han population. Furthermore, significant difference was found for the frequencies of HLA-G*0105N both in Chinese Han and in Chinese She populations when compared with other ethnic populations. Taken together, our results indicated that ethnic variation of the HLA-G*0105N polymorphism among different ethnic populations is possibly the result of evolution. However, the advantages of the selection of this allele are necessary to be further investigated.     

The association of −330 interleukin‐2 gene polymorphism and HLA‐DR15 allele in Iranian patients with multiple sclerosis

The purpose of this case–control study was to evaluate the frequencies and potential genetic susceptibility of the ?330 IL2 T and G alleles and HLA‐DRB1*1501 allele in Iranian patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) compared to healthy controls. Two hundred and sixty Iranian patients with MS from medical genetics department of Sarem Women hospital were selected. Besides, 450 ethnically age‐ and sex‐matched healthy individuals without personal or family backgrounds of autoimmune disorders were enrolled as a control group. All polymorphisms were analysed using RFLP‐PCR technique. HLA‐DRB1 genotyping was carried out by HISTO TYPE SSP high‐resolution Kits according to the manufacturer's suggestions. The frequency of the T allele at the ?330 IL2 polymorphism was significantly higher in patients with MS than controls (OR: 2.45, 95 CI: 1.9–3, P = 4 × 10^?14). Moreover, the T/T genotype was more frequent in patients than in controls (51% vs. 30%). This study indicated that the ?330 T IL2 allele and the T/T genotype were related to increased plasma concentration of IL2 and a higher risk of developing MS among Iranian patients. Carrying both the ?330 T IL2 and the HLA, DRB1* 1501 alleles showed the most susceptibly effect to MS. Our data demonstrated ?330 T IL2 allele provided major susceptibility to MS and HLA‐DRB1* 1501 allele had an additive effect. In addition, it seems that studies with larger sample size are required to bring about more authentic results. Our findings suggest that IL2 gene polymorphisms influence the susceptibility to MS in Iranian patients.     

An accurate and reliable real time SNP genotyping assay for the HLA-G +3142 bp C>G polymorphism

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G is a non classical HLA class I antigen with immuno-modulatory functions. The HLA-G gene is characterized by a +3142C>G variant in the 3' untranslated region which is suggested to control protein production and to be associated with pathological conditions. DNAs form 221 randomly selected healthy subjects were genotyped for HLA-G +3142C>G polymorphism by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) (BaeGI), real-time PCR and sequencing. The 19% of the PCR-RFLP heterozygous samples were genotyped as 3142GG by real-time PCR and sequencing. This disagreement is caused by digestion efficiency in PCR-RFLP. This real-time PCR method will guarantee an accurate genotyping for future research and clinical purposes, where large cohorts should be tested.     

Association between type 1 diabetes and polymorphism of the CTLA-4 gene in a Tunisian population]

Susceptibility to type 1 diabetes mellitus is strongly associated with particular HLA class II alleles. However, non HLA genetic factors are likely to be required for the development of disease. The candidate genes include the cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated 4 (CTLA-4) located on chromosome 2q33 and designated (IDDM12), which encodes a cell surface negative signal T molecule providing for activation. We investigated CTLA-4 exon 1 dimorphism in 74 type 1 patients and a control group of 48 healthy subjects from Tunisia using two methods PCR (polymerase chain reaction) allele specific and polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR RFLP). The CTLA-4/G allele was found on 68.9% in type 1 patients as compared to 51.02% in controls (p = 0.002), mostly in homozygous from 43.24% versus 22.45% (p = 0.0058). This results indicate that CTLA-4/G allele was significantly associated with predisposition to type 1 diabetes in our group from Tunisian population.     

HLA-G多态性与妊娠高血压综合征相关性研究

目的 :探索HLA G与妊娠高血压综合征的发生是否存在关联。方法 :采用非同位素地高辛标记的寡核苷酸探针杂交技术 ,对上海地区 5 4例妊娠高血压综合征 (Pregnancy inducedHypertension ,PIH)病人和 14 6例正常孕妇对照进行HLA G等位基因分型。结果 :在正常对照组及妊高征组中均可检出 9种HLA G等位基因 :G 0 10 11、G 0 10 12、G 0 10 13、G 0 10 18、G 0 10 3、G 0 10 4 1、G 0 10 4 2、G 0 10 4 3、G 0 10 5N。其中G 0 10 11在PIH病人和正常对照组中均是最常见的等位基因 ,各占31 4 8%和 37 33% ,其次是G 0 10 13分别为 2 5 0 0 %和 2 0 2 1% ,G 0 10 4 1分别占 18 5 2 %和 18 4 9%。检出的各等位基因在两组之间比较均无显著性差异。结论 :HLA G等位基因多态性与妊娠高血压综合征的发生可能没有直接关联     

Association of aplastic anaemia and Fanconi's disease with HLA‐DRB1 alleles

One of the most fascinating areas of research within the field of histocompatibility at present time concerns an observation that a major human histocompatibility system, human leucocyte antigen (HLA), is deeply involved in the development of a great number of diseases. Major histocompatibility complex is the most polymorphic system in the genome of different species. Recognition of HLA alleles could be useful in transplantation and disease studies. Genetic construct of HLA DRB1 was studied in Iranian normal populations and patients with aplastic anaemia and Fanconi's disease. DNA was extracted from the whole blood of 466 normal, 35 aplastic anaemia and 10 Fanconi's individuals. Then DRB1 gene polymorphism was studied by polymerase chain reaction‐sequence‐specific primer method. The HLA DRB1 gene analysis showed increase of DRB1*07 in aplastic anaemia patients compared to normal population (P = 0.02). According to this study, the frequency of DRB1*07 in normal individuals was 8.3, and in aplastic anaemia patients, 15.7%. Additionally, the frequency of DRB1*04 in normal, aplastic anaemia and Fanconi's individuals was 10, 5.7 and 20%, respectively. Our results of investigation showed correlation between some HLA alleles with the studied diseases. We reported the frequency of various DR types in aplastic and Fanconi's patients. This study could imply the possible role of HLA‐DRB1*07 in the incidence of aplastic anaemia. Moreover, the frequency of DRB1*04, DRB1*03 and DRB1*15 alleles showed intermediate correlation with Fanconi's anaemia.     

HLA-E*0101 and HLA-G*010101 reduce the risk of Behcet's disease

The nonclassical human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-E and -G molecules have previously been shown to inhibit natural killer- and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-mediated cell lysis and have also been shown to prevent the proliferation of CD4 T cells and secrete cytokines that appear to be important in the modulation of the Behcet's disease (BD) immune systems. Polymorphisms in the HLA-E and HLA-G genes have been associated with differential expression and function. Thus, we conducted an analysis of the HLA-E and HLA-G alleles using Amplification Refractory Mutation System-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism techniques in a study comprising 312 patients with BD and 486 controls. The HLA-E*0101 and HLA-G*010101 alleles were associated with a reduced risk of BD (P = 0.0002, odds ratio (OR) = 0.7 and P = 0.002, OR = 0.7, respectively). By way of contrast, the variants HLA-E*010302, HLA-G*010102, G*0105N alleles and 3741_3754ins14bp were all associated with an increased risk of BD (P < 0.0001, OR = 1.6; P = 0.002, OR = 1.8; P = 0.024, OR = 2.0 and P = 0.003, OR = 1.4, respectively). Individuals carrying both the HLA-E*0101 and the HLA-G*010101 alleles evidenced significantly lower frequency in the patients than in the controls (35.6% vs 49.6%; P < 0.0001, OR = 0.6). These results indicate that variant HLA-E and HLA-G molecules appear to function independently and synergistically, increasing the risk of BD, and may result in an imbalance of lymphocytic functions, which may culminate in the development of BD.