Compilation of distinct HLA-A, -B and -C transmembrane and cytoplasmic domain-encoding sequences

Exons 5-8 of HLA class I genes encode the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of HLA class I proteins. Of the more than 300 HLA-A, -B and -C alleles recognized by the WHO Nomenclature Committee for Factors of the HLA System, the number of alleles for which exon 5-8 sequence information is available and the extent of genetic variability in this region are undocumented. Thus, a comprehensive analysis of HLA-A, -B and -C exon 5-8 sequence variability was undertaken. Of 219 HLA-A, -B and -C alleles for which exon 5-8 sequences are known, 40 unique HLA-A, -B and -C exon 5-8 sequences were identified. At the amino acid level, these encode 28 distinct HLA-A, -B and -C transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains.