HLA class I variation in Australian Aborigines: characterization of allele B*1521

Abstract

Abstract: Traditional methods of serological typing have largely used antisera of Caucasoid origin, which can overlook HLA heterogeneity in non‐Caucasoid populations. Therefore, we have used molecular techniques to evaluate potential polymorphism in HLA class I molecules of Aborigines from the central desert and northern coast of Australia. The DNA sequence of common Aboriginal HLA‐A and B antigens were compared with serological reaction patterns which suggested new polymorphisms. Although serological data indicated that long and short variants of A34 may exist, regardless of the serological pattern, all individuals carried the A*3401 allele. Therefore, the variation in A34 reaction pattern ..