Predominance of B haplotype associated KIR genes in Tamil Speaking Dravidians

Killer cell immunoglobulin like receptors (KIRs) are a group of activating (aKIRs) and inhibitory receptors (iKIRs) expressed on subsets of lymphoid cells. Their interaction with HLA class I molecules modulate the innate and adaptive immune response against infections and malignancies. KIR haplotypes varies in gene content and also at allelic level, thereby, distinguishing individuals and populations. Hence, the present study is aimed to determine the KIR gene diversity in Piramalai Kallar (PK) population of South India. The PK population shows diverged KIR gene frequencies and novel haplotypes than other South Indian populations. 52 different KIR gene profiles were identified and 18 of them were new in this population. In phylogenetic analysis the study population is positioned between African and Iranian population in the clade, which supports the South African ancestry of Indian population.