Strategy for definition of DR/DQ haplotypes in the 4AOHW cell panel using noncoding sequence polymorphisms

Our previously described intron-based DQA1-typing method provides 11 allelic and suballelic groups, including the eight alleles encoded at the second exon. Concurrent testing for the presence of the DRB3, DRB4, and DRB5 loci and the Rsa I pattern of the DRw52 group simplifies the typing requirements for allele assignment at the highly polymorphic DRB1 locus. The DRB1-allele-shortlisting process relies on known DR/DQ haplotypes. In addition to reducing the testing requirements for definitive DRB1 allele assignment, this strategy allows inference of the DR/DQ haplotype and assists in recognition of novel and/or unusual associations.