Second Allele Finder Software: a Simple Approach Toward HLA Typing

Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) has an important role in presenting self and non-self-antigens to T-cell receptors on T lymphocytes. For tissue transplantation and the possibility of graft rejection, these HLA antigens on the surface of the donor and recipient's cells should be checked.

In this study, a novel technique was used for HLA typing by cloning and sequencing. The most polymorphic exons of HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-DRB1 in five unrelated persons were cloned into the T-vector. Afterward, the sequencing data were analyzed using a new computer software named SAF (Second Allele Finder), which was designed for this study.

Using this new technique, the HLA typing was performed in five unrelated persons, for four of them the HLA typing was done by the PCR-SSP method. Despite that the PCR-SSP method is typing in the first field, the results of this study were obtained in the third field, which is more valid and accurate.

This study presents a new, accurate, and low cost technique for typing HLA loci in tissue transplantation especially in bone marrow transplantation.