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.