Identification of three novel alleles: DRB3*0110, DRB1*1140, and DRB1*140102

Three novel human leukocyte antigen class II alleles (DRB3*0110, DRB1*1140, and DRB1*140102) are described here. The three novel alleles were initially detected as previously unidentified SSO hybridization patterns using CANTYPE((R)) reverse hybridization assay. Sequences were determined by cloning/sequencing. DRB3*0110 allele is identical to DRB3*010101, except for a single nucleotide substitution (CGC-->AGC) changing codon 39 from Arg to Ser. This polymorphism has not, until now, been identified in DRB allele. Thus, this is an unusual mutation as the codon 39 is a fairly conserved region. The new DRB1*1140 is identical to DRB1*1116, except for a single nucleotide substitution at codon 67 from ATC (encoding for isoleucine) to TTC (encoding for phenylalanine). This polymorphism is commonly found in DRB1*11 alleles. Compared with DRB1*140101, DRB1*140102 contains a single silent nucleotide substitution (TAT-->TAC, both encoding for tyrosine) at codon 78. This polymorphism is commonly found in DRB1*14 alleles. The three new DRB alleles may have been generated by a point mutation event. The DRB3*0110 and DRB1*140102 were identified in Caucasoid individuals. The ethnic origin of the subject carrying the DRB1*1140 allele is Egyptian. The DRB1*140102 was detected in two unrelated individuals; the DRB3*0110 and DRB1*1140 were only identified once, in a total population of 80,000.