Malaria is not responsible for the selection of TCR beta-subunit variable gene haplotypes in The Gambia

Previous work has shown that a single haplotype of the T-cell antigen receptor beta-subunit (TCRB) locus is predominant in African populations. This is likely to be due to selection pressure for gene(s) that protect children against disease. This study has tested the hypothesis that malaria is the responsible selection pressure, due to its impact on child mortality. The haplotypes of BV8S3, BV2S1, BV15S1, and BV3S1 were determined in children suffering from severe malaria and unaffected adult controls. No significant difference between cases and controls was shown for any of the haplotypes studied. In addition, an insertion/deletion (INDEL) haplotype in the 5' region of the TCRB locus was investigated. Again no differences between the two groups were detected. Therefore, the evidence suggests that malaria is not responsible for haplotype selection in The Gambia.