Applicability of HLA-DQB oligonucleotide typing for the TA10 and 2B3 specificities in routine HLA typing

Our group recently developed oligonucleotide probes associated to the TA10 and 2B3 specificities (1). Unambiguous typings were observed in a panel of homozygous typing cells and a family, using 32P-end labeled probes and PCR-amplified DNA (DQB exon 2). To investigate whether these TA10 and 2B3 associated oligonucleotides could be used in routine HLA-typing we extended the study to a panel of healthy, unrelated individuals. When TA10 and 2B3 typings by oligonucleotides were compared with those obtained in routine serology a complete correlation was observed for TA10. A discrepancy was seen for 2B3 typing in material obtained from DQw5- (and possibly DQw4)-positive individuals which could be explained by the CYNAP (cytotoxicity-negative, absorption-positive) phenomenon, using the IIB3 monoclonal antibody in routine tissue typing. Our results suggest that HLA-DQB oligonucleotide typing for TA10 and 2B3 is an accurate and reliable method and can be used effectively in routine HLA typing.