HLA-DPB1 polymorphism in the Thais of Southeast Asia

In this study we examined DPB1 allele frequencies in five ethnic Thai populations resident in different regions of Thailand and neighboring countries. In contrast to other Asian and Pacific populations such as the Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Papua New Guineans, where DPB1*0501 has consistently been shown to be the most frequent allele, NE Thais and Thai-Khmers demonstrate a prevalence of DPB1*1301. Comparison of DPB1 allele frequencies in the Thais of SE Asia, with known frequencies in the Chinese and Japanese populations of E Asia, would appear to confirm previous calculations of genetic divergence between these Oriental populations.