HLA-DQ heterogeneity among HLA-DRw11(5) haplotypes

Class II molecular variation among a panel of ten HLA-DRw11(5) homozygous cell lines (HCL) was investigated by analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphisms in genomic DNA. Hybridization of Bgl II, Hind III, and Taq I digested cellular DNA with DQ alpha and DQ beta cDNA probes identified a clustering of characteristic polymorphisms. Considerable diversity was observed between the HLA-DRw11(5), DQw3 positive haplotypes studied, as well as compared to a DRw11(5), DQw1 positive haplotype. In contrast to the observed DQ genomic variability, hybridization with a DR beta probe revealed relatively limited diversity. The molecular heterogeneity seen by genomic restriction fragment analysis illustrates the presence of genomic polymorphisms, particularly within HLA-DQ-related genes among a family of DRw11(5)-related haplotypes.