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HLA frequencies in black Zimbabweans
E D du Toit1, J C Emmanuel, G West
1Provincial Laboratory for Tissue Immunology, Cape Town, South Africa.
Tissue Antigens
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) antigen frequencies in Black Zimbabweans closely resemble those in Black South Africans, with minor genetic variations noted. These differences may reflect historical gene flow between populations.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Population Genetics
Background:
- The Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) system plays a crucial role in immune response.
- Understanding HLA antigen frequencies in diverse populations is vital for transplantation and disease association studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the HLA antigen frequencies in Black Zimbabweans.
- To compare these frequencies with those of other Bantu-speaking populations, specifically Black South Africans (Xhosa).
Main Methods:
- HLA typing was performed on 119 normal Black Zimbabweans.
- Antigen frequencies were analyzed and compared statistically with existing data from Black South Africans.
Main Results:
- A high degree of similarity was observed between HLA antigen frequencies in Zimbabweans and Xhosa individuals.
- Significant differences (p < 0.01) were found for specific HLA antigens: HLA-Aw36, -Bw53, -Cw6, -DR4, and -DQw3.
- Common HLA haplotypes in significant linkage disequilibrium differed between the two groups.
Conclusions:
- Black Zimbabweans share significant HLA antigen similarities with the Xhosa population of South Africa.
- Observed genetic variations may be attributed to historical gene flow, particularly the influence of San populations on Black South Africans, with less presumed contact in Zimbabweans.