Confirmation of the detection of HLA-A*0104N in a family: a PCR–SSP reaction for the allelic detection of HLA-A*0104N

The allele A*0104N has been detected in a family with a patient requiring a bone marrow transplant. The allele was found as a consequence of a discrepant result when family members were typed using serology and polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific primers (PCR–SSP). Serological typing gave an apparent HLA-A ‘blank’ while PCR–SSP revealed the presence of an A*01 allele in three family members who were serologically negative for A1. Sequencing-based typing (SBT) was then used to establish that the allele was A*0104N. A PCR–SSP reaction was subsequently designed and used for the allelic detection of A*0104N. The study highlights the potential risks involved if molecular technology is used for typing, unless all non-expressed alleles are specifically detected.     

Identification of the null HLA-A2 allele, A*0232N

We have identified a null HLA-A*02 allele, HLA-A*0232N, by using a combination of serology, flow cytometry, polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) and full-length sequencing. The null HLA-A2 allele was identified in an Asian individual originally typed by serology as an apparently homozygous HLA-A3, B51. Subsequent genotyping by PCR-SSP identified the genotype as HLA-A*0201, *0301, B*51, Cw*1402. The serological type and lack of detectable HLA-A2 was confirmed using monoclonal antibody typing reagents. Flow cytometry studies failed to identify any cell surface HLA-A2 expression on the patient's peripheral blood lymphocytes. Genotyping using a PCR-SSP set designed to detect null alleles revealed the mutation had not been previously described. Full-length sequencing of the allele identified an allele which was subsequently named HLA-A*0232N. This allele is identical to HLA-A*0201 except for a novel point mutation (T for C) at position 493 which creates a premature stop codon. The sequencing enabled the development of a monospecific A*0232N PCR-SSP reaction which was used to screen 973 DNA samples: no further examples of A*0232N were identified.     

The DQA1*0104 allele is carried by DRB1*1001- and DRB1*1401-positive haplotypes in Caucasians, Africans and Orientals

Abstract: The DQA1*0104 allele is known to differ from DQA1*0101 by a single nucleotide in the sequenced part of the first exon. DQA1*0104 has a guanine in the second position of the second expressed codon, whereas DQA1*0101 and all other sequenced DQA1 alleles have an adenine in that position, changing aspartic acid to glycine. The DQA1*0104 allele was originally described in African Americans with the DRB1*12, DRB3*0101, DQA1*0104, DQB1*0501, DRB1*12, DRB3*0202, DQA1*0104, DQB1*0605 or DRB1*14, DQA1*0104, DQB1*0503 haplotypes. When developing DQA1 typing by PCR amplification with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP), we observed that all DR10- and DR14-positive samples carried the DQA1*0104 allele, wheres all DRB1*01 -positive DNAs carried the closely related DQA1*0101 allele. In the present study, samples representing the major ethnic groups with DR-DQ haplotypes known to carry the DQA1*0104 allele or the very similar DQA1*0101 allele were investigated by Taq I RFLP analysis, PCR-SSP typing and nucleotide sequencing. The DQA1*0104 allele was found to differ from DQA1*0101 not only in the second expressed codon, but also by a productive mutation in the signal peptide. All investigated DRB1*1001 -(n = 24) and DRB1*1401 -positive (n = 25) haplotypes, defined by homozygosity or association, of Caucasian, African or Oriental origin carried the DQA1*0104 allele, whereas the DQA1*0101 allele was found on all DRB1*01 -positive (n = 32) haplotypes. These findings demonstrate that in the assignment of HLA class II alleles, polymorphism outside the second exon sometimes must be considered. The maintenance of the DQA1*0104 allele on a few distinct haplotypes indicates that the allele is old and might also be compatible with a functional difference between the DQA1*0101 and DQA1*0104 alleles.     

Identification of HLA-A*0224: implications for PCR-SSP HLA typing

We describe a novel HLA-A*02 allele, A*0224, that was identified after a comparison of DNA and serological typing revealed a discrepancy in the HLA-A types: HLA-A2 was defined by serology but was not detected by the polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP). DNA sequencing indicated the presence of a variant HLA-A*02 allele that differed from A*0201 by a single base (C/A) at position 453. This base substitution corresponded to the annealing site of a primer common to the two A*02-amplifying PCR-SSP mixtures used in the method. This provides an explanation for the results and highlights a limitation of PCR-SSP methods even where two PCR mixtures are used to detect alleles. Serological titration studies suggested that A*0201, A*0205 and A*0224 are unlikely to be differentiated during routine serological typing.     

Characterization of a new HLA-A allele,A*0256, identified in a Caucasian individual

HLA-A typing by the PCR-SSP method in a male 21-year-old Caucasian individual revealed a very rare allele combination corresponding to a unique reaction pattern. Therefore, the result was examined using sequence-based typing. Sequencing of exons 2 and 3 of the HLA-A locus after allelic separation with specific primers revealed the sequence of a new allele, similar to A*0245. Sequencing of exons 1 and 4 resulted in no additional inconclusive positions. The sequence pattern of the new allele HLA-A*0256 might have been generated as a result of a double crossing over recombination of an A*0201 and either an A*03 or an A*11.     

Novel HLA-A*31 allele, A*3111 identified by sequence-based typing

In this report, we describe the identification of an HLA-A*31 nucleotide sequence variant, a new HLA-A*3111, in three members of a Korean family by using sequence-based typing (SBT). The new allele was detected during routine HLA typing by high-resolution SBT. Allele A*3111 showed one nucleotide difference with A*310102 at codon 165 (GTG-->CTG) resulting in an amino acid change from valine to leucine (V165L). Serologic reactivity was shorter than normally expected.     

Molecular and serological identification of the HLA-A*3404 allele

A novel HLA-A null allele, A*0253 N, has been identified in two generations of a Chinese family using combined serological and molecular cloning approaches. Full-length genomic DNA sequencing indicated that this new allele differs from HLA-A*02011 by a single C to G substitution at nucleotide position 324 in exon 2. This mutation results in an amino acid change from a tyrosine codon to a stop codon at position 108. A PCR-SSP based method was developed to distinguish A*0253 N from A*02 alleles. No further individuals of A*0253 N were found in 718 Chinese blood donors who carry the HLA-A*02 allele1.     

High frequency of HLA-A*0103 allele in a Somali population

We report the existence of class I HLA allele A*0103 in an ethnic group (Somali) where this allele has not been reported. This allele was discovered in a study to examine the relationship between HLA alleles and humoral antibody response to measles vaccine among recent immigrants from Somalia to Olmsted County, Minnesota. We initially used polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) to carry out HLA class I typing. Based on PCR-SSP, 55 subjects were assigned the allele HLA-A*0101. Following direct DNA sequencing of the PCR products, 37 of the 55 subjects (67.3%) that were initially assigned the A*0101 allele were found to actually be A*0103. Our data are significant because it demonstrates that many of the previously typed A*0101 individuals are actually A*0103 as the SSP or sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes method cannot distinguish between the two alleles. Lastly, this is the first identification of this allele in the homozygous state.     

Presence of the DRB4*0103102N null allele in different DRB1*04-positive individuals

The DRB4 gene encoding the DR53 antigen is present in DRB1*04-, DRB1*07- and DRB1*09-positive individuals. Eight allelic variants of DRB4 have been recognized, 5 resulting in an expressed DR53 antigen and 3 belonging to the null alleles. So far the DRB4*0103102N null allele had been found exclusively in individuals carrying the haplotype DR7,-DQ9. High-resolution typing of HLA class II by polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) and/or sequence-based typing of kidney patients and their families revealed the presence of the DRB4*0103102N null allele segregating with DRB1*04 and DQB1*03 in 4 different families. Three different haplotypes on which the null allele was located, were recognized by family studies: DRB1*0401, DQB1*0301; DRB1*0402, DQB1*0302 and DRB1*0404, DQB1*0302. Determination of the DR53 specificity of antisera reacting with DR53-positive individuals has always been difficult due to the simultaneous presence of DR4, 7 or 9. Identification of DR4-positive DR53-negative individuals as described here, provided the serological reactions with DR53-antisera and revealed the antibody specificities in the antisera used.     

An HLB-B null allele (B*0808N) caused by a nucleotide deletion in exon 3, found in the family of a bone marrow transplant recipient

We have identified a variant HLA-B allele, B*0808N, segregating through two generations of healthy individuals, whilst HLA typing the family of a bone marrow patient. Serological typing identified a disparity between the father (A1, A3 B7 DR7) and the brother (A1, A2 B56 DR1, DR7) of the patient. Low/medium resolution polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) revealed a B*08 allele undetectable by serological methods. High resolution DNA typing by polymerase chain reaction-sequencing based typing (PCR-SBT), revealed a nucleotide deletion at position 131 (C) in exon 3, the only difference between the new allele and B*0801. The deletion results in a frame shift in the protein coding sequence, introducing a premature termination codon (TGA) in exon 4. Although a B*08 allele is present in these individuals, the deletion prevents correct expression of the antigen on the cell surface.     

HLA-A*02010102L: a laborious assignment

In the present report we describe the laborious identification of the A*02010102L allele found in three healthy individuals of a French family who have shown a reduced A2 antigen expression using serological tests since the 1980s. PCR-SSP typing showed a classical A*0201 allele. Sequencing of exons 2, 3 and 4 confirmed this assignment. Sequencing of the whole gene (promoter, introns and exons 1-8) revealed one single point mutation (T to C) at position -101 in the enhancer B element region compared to the A*02010101 allele. This single mutation appears to be related to the reduced expression of the A2 antigen. This allele segregates with the haplotype Cw*12, B44, DR7, DQ2, which is different to the one described earlier.     

Identification of a new HLA allele,A*1114, in a Chinese family

A novel HLA-A allele, A*1114, was initially detected in two generations of a Chinese family by unusual polymerase chain reaction based sequence-specific primers ( PCR-SSP) reaction patterns and ambiguous sequence-based typing (SBT). Molecular cloning and sequencing analysis indicated that this new allele differs from HLA-A*1102 by three nucleotide substitutions in exon 3, 524 A-->G, 526 G-->C, and 527 C-->G, thus changing codon 175 from His to Arg (CAT-->CGT) and codon 176 from Ala to Arg (GCG-->CGG). Segregation analysis showed that the proband inherited his mother's HLA haplotype A*1114, B*5801, DRB1*1405. The serologic equivalent of A*1114 is a split antigen HLA-A11.2. A PCR-SSP method was developed to distinguish A*1114 from other A*11 alleles. No further individuals with A*1114 were found in 5000 Chinese bone marrow donors.     

A nonsense mutation in exon 3 results in the HLA-B null allele B*5127N

A new HLA-B null allele has been identified within the B*51 group by combined serological and molecular typing of an Italian Caucasoid family. Serological data indicated that the proband typed homozygous for A2 and B60. Confirmatory typing using sequence specific oligonucleotide hybridization (SSPOH) detected a second B allele within the B*51 group. Allele specific typing (SSP) for B*51 subtypes, including the known B*5111N allele, was performed, and typing results were consistent with B*5101, suggesting the presence of a new null variant. Cloning and sequencing of this allele identified a B*5101 variant with a nonsense mutation in exon 3. This new null allele has been designated B*5127N. The combined use of serologic and DNA-based typing methods facilitates the identification of null and low-expression alleles. An overview of null alleles of class I HLA is presented.     

Identification and nucleotide sequence of a new null allele,HLA B*3540N

We report the definition of an HLA class I null allele that has been identified within the B35 group by a combination of serological and molecular typing. This allele, which has been named B*3540N, was detected in a French, potential unrelated hematopoietic stem cell donor of unknown ethnic origin, selected as a probable match for an Irish patient. The presence of the null allele was initially determined by the absence of B35 reactivity by serological typing, in contrast to positive reactions by PCR-SSP and PCR-SSO typing. Subsequent sequencing of clones containing the full genomic sequence of the B*35 allele identified a single nucleotide deletion within exon 4 which resulted in the introduction of a stop codon downstream within exon 4.     

Identification and nucleotide sequence of HLA-A*03013

We have identified a further HLA-A*03 allele, A*03013, in three unrelated Caucasoid individuals. The allele was initially detected by the polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) and was shown to differ from HLA-A*03011 by a single non-coding substitution of G to T at position 167 in exon 2 by DNA sequencing. The A*03013 bearing haplotype in one of the three individuals, was HLA-A*03013, B*07, Cw*0702, DRB1*1101, DRB3*0202, DQA1*05, DQB1*0301. The estimated phenotype and gene frequencies for A*03013 was <0.02% and <0.00007, respectively.     

Identification of a new HLA-B*39 allele: HLA-B*3924

We have identified a new HLA-B*39 allele through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using sequence-specific primers (SSP) and sequence-based typing of exons 2 and 3. This novel allele was identified in three HLA-identical siblings of Turkish origin. This allele only differs from HLA-B*3903 at a unique single nucleotide substitution (T for C) at position 365 in exon 3 which results in an amino acid change in codon 98 of methionine (ATG) to threonine (ACG). The sequencing enabled the development of a monospecific PCR-SSP reaction which can be used to discriminate between HLA-B*3924 and other B*39 alleles.     

HLA-B*0749N: the first HLA-B*07 null allele

In the present article, we report the identification of the first HLA-B*07 null allele found in a Polish patient awaiting a kidney allograft. A discrepant result obtained between serological typing (HLA-B "blank") and high-resolution molecular typing using PCR-SSP method (HLA-B*070201 allele) suggested the presence of a null allele. Genomic DNA sequencing of the HLA-B*07 allele revealed a single nucleotide substitution at the 3' end of the exon 4 leading to a premature stop codon.     

Expression defect of an HLA-A*24 allele associated with DNA methylation in a normal individual

Non-expressed HLA alleles become a potential problem in the transition of the HLA typing methodology from serologic typing to more accurate DNA typing. In this study, a novel nonexpressed A*24 allele identified from two members of a Korean family was characterized. At the DNA sequence level, the nonexpressed allele (A*24023) is apparently normal; the complete genomic sequence was identical to HLA-A*2402101, from the 5'-upstream region to the 3'-downstream region, except for a single silent substitution at codon 211 (GCG-->GCA) in exon 4. A DNA methylation analysis using methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes, however, showed that the nonexpressed A*24023 allele from an apparently normal individual was highly methylated in regions covering exons and introns as well as the 5'-upstream region. This result suggests that hypermethylation of the HLA-A gene may induce gene inactivation in the normal individuals.     

Identification of a novel allele HLA-B*5610 in a Chinese potential bone marrow donor

A novel HLA-B allele, B*5610, has been identified in a potential bone marrow donor, his mother and brother using DNA-based typing and molecular cloning methods. The B*5610 allele differs from the closest matching HLA sequence of B*5602 by two nucleotide substitutions in exon 3, 559 C-->A and 560 T-->C, resulting in an amino acid change from Leu (CTG) to Thr (ACG) at codon 187. This new allele was segregated together with A*24020101 and DRB1*140101 in the proband's family. Serology study revealed that B*5610 is associated with B22 specificity. A PCR-SSP method was developed to distinguish B*5610 from other B*56 alleles. No further individuals with B*5610 were detected in 5000 Chinese bone marrow blood donors.