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HLA-DRw antigens associated with acute leukemia
Tissue Antigens
|November 1, 1980
Summary
Genetic factors influence leukemia risk. This study suggests that specific Human Leukocyte Antigen-DRw (HLA-DRw) antigen patterns in patients may indicate a recessive genetic susceptibility to acute leukemia.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Oncology
- Human Genetics
Background:
- Susceptibility to leukemia in mice is linked to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) encoded "Ia" antigens, inherited recessively.
- The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system is the human equivalent of the mouse MHC "Ia" system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis of recessive genetic transmission of leukemia susceptibility in humans.
- To determine if specific HLA-DRw antigen phenotypes are associated with acute leukemia risk.
Main Methods:
- Typing of 89 acute leukemia patients and 123 healthy controls for eight known HLA-DRw specificities.
- Comparison of HLA-DRw antigen frequencies between leukemia patients and the control group.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in phenotypes with only one identifiable HLA-DRw antigen was observed in acute leukemia patients.
- Specific HLA-DRw antigens (3, 6, and 7) showed predominant occurrence, varying by leukemia type (AML, adult ALL, childhood ALL).
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest a recessive mode of transmission for leukemia susceptibility in humans.
- An excess of homozygotes for particular HLA-DRw antigens likely contributes to increased leukemia risk.