Variations in genes encoding neutrophil antigens NA1 and NA2

Neutrophil-specific antigens NA1 and NA2 are located on Fcgamma receptor IIIb (FcgammaRIIIb). NA1 and NA2 forms of FcgammaRIIIb differ by four amino acids and the corresponding genes by five nucleotides. Variations in NA gene frequencies are encountered among ethnic groups. Altered forms of the genes are expected among individuals.

RFLPs associated with four recognition sites were used to determine NA genotypes of 232 individuals. When atypical NA genotypes were identified, FcgammaRIIIB and FcgammaRIIIA regions were sequenced.

NA1 FcgammaRIIIB frequency in 100 Japanese (0.66) was greater than that in 53 African Americans (blacks) (0.40; p<0.01) and 79 whites (0.32; p<0.001). Sequencing of atypical FcgammaRIIIB in 16 people confirmed that four blacks had G-->A substitutions at 227; 7 blacks had A-->G substitutions at 277; and 1 Japanese person had C-->G at 141 and G-->T at 227. A at 227 and G at 277 represent expected nts of NA1 FcgammaRIIIB. One black had an NA1 FcgammaRIIIB with a G-->A substitution at 349; A is normally found in NA2 FcgammaRIIIB at 349. Sequencing atypical FcgammaRIIIA in three persons revealed that two blacks had G-->A substitutions at 277 plus C-->A substitutions at 266 and 1 white had previously described T-->G at 230. Two blacks with atypical NA2 FcgammaRIIIB had T-->G FcgammaRIIIA at 230. One black was NA(null).

NA2 FcgammaRIIIB is more polymorphic in blacks than in whites or Japanese persons. Chimeric FcgammaRIIIB alleles are most similar to NA2 FcgammaRIIIB. One alternate allele of NA1 (NA1*02) and four alternate alleles of NA2 (NA2*02, NA2*03, NA2*04, and NA2*05) are described.