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.