Southern analysis of DNA polymorphism among Dw subtypes of DR4

DNA from individuals of four Dw subtypes of DR4 (Dw4, Dw10, Dw14, Dw15) were studied using Southern blotting to determine if subtype-specific DR beta or DQ beta restriction fragment polymorphism could be found. Although very little polymorphism was found among ten DR4 homozygous individuals (4 Dw4, 2 Dw10, 3 Dw14, 1 Dw15) using a Dr beta or a DQ beta probe, restriction fragment polymorphism was easily detected between different DR types (DR1-DRw8). The possible evolutionary significance of the lack of Dw-associated polymorphism relative to DR-associated polymorphism is discussed.