Description of a novel HLA-DRB1 allele found in a candidate for bone marrow transplantation

We report the identification of a new DRB1* allele in a Spanish Caucasoid family during a search for a histocompatible bone marrow donor. This novel allele, designated as DRB1*1145, differs from DRB1*1123 in one nucleotide at position 199 in exon 2 (A replacing T), leading to one amino acid change from phenylalanine (Phe) to isoleucine (Ile) at codon 67. The propositus's father had identical class II alleles but showed a minor mismatch at locus B (B*4403 by B*4402) and a C-locus mismatch (Cw*1502 by Cw*0501). We discuss the criteria of selecting a non-related bone marrow donor with a minor mismatch on the DRB1* allele or the related father having a minor mismatch at B locus and a C-locus mismatch.