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Published on: March 13, 2026
High birth weight is associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DRB1*13 in full-term infants
P Aroviita1, J Partanen, P Sistonen
1Finnish Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, Helsinki, Finland. pekka.aroviita@bts.redcross.fi
Insights
This study suggests a link between a specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II allele, DRB1*13, and higher infant birth weights. This finding may indicate a novel factor influencing normal intrauterine growth.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Perinatal Medicine
- Human Genetics
Background:
- Cord blood banking collects extensive infant and cord blood data, including birth weights and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotypes.
- Certain HLA alleles are linked to protective immune responses, prompting investigation into their potential role in fetal development.
- Previous research has associated specific HLA alleles with various health outcomes, but their impact on intrauterine growth is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between birth weight and specific HLA class II (DRB1) alleles using cord blood bank data.
- To determine if HLA DRB1 alleles influence normal intrauterine growth patterns.
- To explore potential novel factors affecting fetal development.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cord blood bank data from 1381 infants, with HLA DRB1 genotyping available for 1263.
- Statistical examination of the relationship between birth weight and HLA DRB1 alleles, including adjustments for gestational age and gender.
- Comparison of birth weights between infants positive and negative for the HLA DRB1*13 allele.
Main Results:
- An association was observed between birth weight and the HLA DRB1*13 allele, with this allele being over-represented in full-term infants with higher birth weights.
- After correcting for gestational age and gender, the association remained significant (P = 0.015), though not after multiple comparison correction.
- Infants positive for HLA DRB1*13 (n=319) had a higher median birth weight (3690 g) compared to those negative for the allele (n=944, 3650 g; P = 0.044).
Conclusions:
- The HLA DRB1*13 allele may be associated with increased birth weight, suggesting a potential role in normal intrauterine growth.
- Despite a small median difference of 40 g, the finding is notable given the allele's prior association with protective immune responses.
- This study identifies a potential new factor, HLA DRB1*13, influencing intrauterine growth, warranting further investigation.
Abstract:
In cord blood banking, substantial amounts of data on infants and cord blood are gathered at high cost, including birth weights and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotypes. As certain HLA alleles have been associated with protective host responses, it is possible that an HLA allele, or another factor linked to it, might even affect normal intrauterine growth. We explored cord blood bank data (n = 1381 infants) to elucidate whether there is an association between birth weight and HLA class II (DRB1) alleles. HLA DRB1 data were available from 1263 infants. We observed an association between birth weight and HLA DRB1*13, which was over-represented among full-term infants with the highest birth weights. The association remained when the birth weight was corrected for varying gestational age (relative birth weight) according to gender (P = 0.015). After correction of the P-value for multiple comparisons, the association was not statistically significant. However, when the birth weights of all infants were analysed for the effect of DRB1*13, infants positive for HLA DRB1*13 (n = 319) were found to have higher birth weights than infants negative for this allele (n = 944; median 3690 g vs. 3650 g, respectively; P = 0.044). Although the difference in median birth weight was only 40 g, it may be considered significant because it appeared after segregation of the infants into two groups according to the single HLA class II allele group earlier associated with protection against, for example, childhood type 1 diabetes and certain infectious diseases. The present finding may thus suggest identification of a new factor affecting normal intrauterine growth.
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