HLA-DRB5*0101 and -DRB1*1501 expression in the multiple sclerosis-associated HLA-DR15 haplotype

The HLA region, and particularly the DR15 haplotype (containing the two DRB* genes DRB1*1501 and DRB5*0101 and the tightly linked DQ alleles DQA*0102 and DQB1*0602, which together form the DQw6 molecule) in Caucasians, shows the strongest genetic association with multiple sclerosis (MS). In the DR15 haplotype, two beta-chains HLA-DRB1*1501 and -DRB5*0101 are co-expressed resulting in two different surface HLA-DR alphabeta heterodimers, DR2b and DR2a. Most previous studies focused on DRB1*1501, however, both DR2a and DR2b may contribute to MS pathogenesis via antigen presentation to myelin-specific T lymphocytes. We therefore analyzed the expression of the two DR15 genes in various antigen presenting cells (APCs), central nervous system and thymic tissues. Transcript levels were higher for DRB5*0101 in all cell types and tissues. Both HLA-DR heterodimers were expressed at significant levels on the cell surface, where they showed a differential expression pattern in different APCs. They were similarly regulated after stimulation with interferon-gamma and interleukin-4. Finally, immunohistochemistry experiments indicated that both molecules were expressed in thymic tissue. Our results encourage future research to investigate the potential functional relevance of both genes for the pathogenesis of MS.