Allele frequency net database (AFND) 2020 update: gold-standard data classification, open access genotype data and...

Area of Science:

• Immunogenetics
• Population Genetics
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• The Allele Frequency Net Database (AFND) serves as a crucial repository for genetic frequency data.
• It encompasses human leukocyte antigens (HLA), killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR), major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class I chain related genes (MIC), and cytokine gene polymorphisms.
• AFND has seen increased usage in clinical and scientific contexts, particularly for genotyping data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive and accessible database of genetic frequency data.
• To enhance data submission processes with user-friendly tools.
• To improve data usability through classification and expanded features.

Main Methods:

• Data aggregation and storage of allele, gene, haplotype, and genotype frequencies.
• Development of a desktop application for data submission.
• Implementation of 'gold-silver-bronze' criteria for data classification.
• Expansion of features, including HLA and adverse drug reaction associations.

Main Results:

• AFND currently houses data from over 1600 populations, representing more than 10 million individuals.
• A user-friendly desktop application for HLA and KIR data submission has been developed.
• Data is now classified into 'gold-silver-bronze' tiers to aid user queries.
• The database includes expanded information on HLA associations with adverse drug reactions.

Conclusions:

• AFND is a valuable and expanding resource for analyzing highly polymorphic regions of the human genome.
• The database facilitates research in immunogenetics and population genetics.
• Enhanced data submission and classification improve the utility of AFND for the scientific community.