Sequence analysis and oligonucleotide genotyping of HLA-DR"JX6", a DR"blank" haplotype found in the Japanese population.

We analyzed one of the HLA-DR"blank" haplotypes found in the Japanese population using serologic studies, sequence determination, and genotyping with sequence-specific oligonucleotide (SSO) probes. The DR"blank" haplotype, designated DR"JX6", segregated in a family in association with the DRw52 and the DQw7 specificities. The cDNA and genomic DNA of the DRB1 gene originating from the DR"JX6" haplotype were amplified enzymatically and sequenced after cloning into a plasmid vector. The amino acid sequence of the first domain in the DR beta 1 chain of the DR"JX6" haplotype was different from those of other DR haplotypes sequenced so far, but in the first hypervariable region, the sequence was identical to those of the DRw11, DRw13, DRw14, and DRw17 haplotypes. SSO probes were synthesized on the basis of the DR"JX6" haplotype sequence as well as known sequences of the DRB1, DRB3, and DRB4 genes of other DR haplotypes. These SSO probes were used for the genotyping of Japanese donors whose DRB genes were amplified enzymatically and found to show a hybridization profile that was consistent with the results of serologic studies on the DR"JX6" haplotype.