Characterization of an HLA-B62 variant (B*1538) exhibiting an additional B52 serologic reactivity

Antigens bearing the B62 serologic specificity are a heterogeneous group being encoded by at least 10 alleles and are widespread in most populations including the Korean population (10.5%). This study characterized a new allele encoding a B62 molecule with extra B52 serologic reactivity from a Korean family and unrelated individuals. Based on the DNA sequence, it appears that the single nucleotide substitution at codon 171 (TAC-->CAC), resulting in an amino acid change from tyrosine to histidine, is responsible for creating the extra reactivity. B*1538 was confirmed by PCR-SSP using a primer annealing to codon 171 in two additional unrelated individuals also exhibiting the same serologic reaction pattern. The haplotype associated with the novel allele, A31-B*1538-Bw6-Cw3-DRB1*1101-DRB3*02-DQB1*0301, was identified in the family members and two unrelated individuals. The novel B*1538 allele and its associated haplotype adds to the HLA diversity in this population.