[TaqI restriction polymorphism and the HLA-B27 allele in ankylosing spondylitis]

The restriction polymorphism Taq I of the 3.5 kb fragment of Class I HLA sequences is tested in patients suffering from ankylosing spondylarthritis, with or without antigen HLA B27. In a reference population, the frequency of this polymorphism is higher than that of allele B27. All B27 individuals, ill or not, present the polymorphic band, also present in some individuals B12. The distribution of this band is studied, in unrelated individuals serotyped for HLA B as well as members of families with spondylarthritis. The presence of the variable 3.5 kb band is not automatically correlated with the gene of the disease in corresponding individuals.