17th IHIW component "Immunogenetics of Ageing" - New NGS data

Area of Science:

• Immunogenetics
• Gerontology
• Human Genetics

Background:

• The 'Immunogenetics of Aging' project investigates immunogenetic markers for successful aging.
• Focuses on human leukocyte antigen (HLA), cytokine, and innate immunity genes.
• Previous workshops established the project's foundation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the relevance of immunogenetic markers for healthy aging and longevity.
• To refine HLA associations at the allele level using advanced sequencing.
• To explore additional HLA loci (HLA-DQA1, HLA-DPB1, HLA-DPA1) in relation to aging.

Main Methods:

• Application of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) in the 17th International HLA and Immunogenetics Workshop (IHIW).
• Analysis of HLA class I and class II alleles in healthy elderly and young control populations.
• Comparative analysis of HLA allele distribution between sexes and age groups.

Main Results:

• Significant positive associations found between specific HLA class I and class II alleles and healthy aging.
• Statistically significant differences in HLA allele distribution observed between elderly and young individuals, varying by sex.
• Increased prevalence of HLA haplotypes potentially associated with resistance to viral and malignant diseases in the elderly sample.

Conclusions:

• Preliminary NGS data support the hypothesis that HLA alleles and haplotypes influence survival and longevity.
• Selected HLA alleles and haplotypes may confer disease resistance, impacting lifespan.
• HLA alleles and haplotypes are promising immunogenetic markers for successful aging.