Complete coding sequence of HLA-B*2712: a serologic B27-negative antigen associated to Bw6

We report the complete coding sequence of a new HLA-B27 subtype, B*2712, which was found in a Caucasian Spanish family within the chromosome A2-Cw2-B*2712-DR15-DQ6. B*2712 was first detected as a segregating B blank Bw6-associated antigen. Extensive serologic analysis demonstrated that this new B27 subtype was not recognised by any of the B27-monospecific antibodies, giving positive reactions only with some monoclonal reagents against B40 or B27,40. Sequencing analysis showed a high similarity with B*2708, only differing in three clustered amino acid residues at positions 69 to 71 located in the alpha helix of the alpha1 domain. Residues 69 and 71 point towards the T-cell receptor, while amino acid 70 points to the antigen binding site. Loss of the conserved structure of pocket B as well as the differentiated pocket F configuration suggests that B*2712 does not confer ankylosing spondylitis susceptibility. Misleading serologic definition supports the usefulness of DNA-typing methods to complement HLA class I typing.