Unusual association of the DRB4 null allele, DRB4*0103102N, with HLA DRB1*0402 in a sample of Austrian patients.

Gassner C, Ellemunter H, Zahn R, Albert ED, Blasczyk R, Schönitzer D.

Abstract

Tissue typing for HLA class II antigens is routinely performed by serological, and/or DNA-based methods. Accuracy, absence of cross-reactivity and controllable level of resolution are striking advantages of molecular methods. However, a disadvantage of molecular typing, compared to serological methods, is the identification of unexpressed alleles. Whereas serology allows a more or less direct insight into antigen presence, molecular biology is an indirect method and results must also be interpreted by considering the biological pathways of protein expression. We believe that identification of nonexpressed MHC alleles is of importance for transplantation, since nonexpressed MHC allele positive individuals could give rise to antibody formation against the respective expressed MHC product in donor tissue. Usually, the nonexpressed DRB40103102N is encountered in association with DRB10701-DQB103032, which facilitates correct DNA typing. Here we describe the unusual association of this unexpressed DRB40103102N, with DRB10402-DQB10302 in a sample of Austrian patients.

PMID: 10519373