Two probable human leukocyte antigen haplotypes in association with human leukocyte antigen HLA-DRB1*13:50:01 identified in 41 randomized unrelated Taiwanese individuals

OBJECTIVES: Here, we show two probable haplotypes associated with the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DRB1*13:50:01 allele. The haplotypes were observed from 41 randomized unrelated Taiwanese individuals among a population of 23,064 individuals tested. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The samples in this study were blood samples, preserved in dipotassium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and/or ACD anticoagulants. The population is of donors from Tzu Chi Bone Marrow Donor Registry. Allele typing was performed using the sequence-based typing method, Sanger's sequencing. To discern the HLA-A and HLA-B alleles, exons 2 and 3 were sequenced. For DRB1 alleles, exon 2 was sequenced. Target exon sequence amplifications were done by a polymerase chain reaction and the resulting amplicons were sequenced by Bigdye Terminator Cycle Sequencing Ready Reaction kit, according to the manufacturer's protocols. RESULTS: Two probable haplotypes that are associated with the DRB1*13:50:01 were observed among the 23,064 Taiwanese randomized unrelated individuals. One of the haplotypes is observed in 39 individuals while the other in two individuals. CONCLUSION: The findings in this study may be useful in studies reinforcing the understanding and clinical application of the polymorphism of HLA genes and haplotypes.