Background: Specific IgE responses to allergens provide useful models for evaluating the genetic factors that control human immune responses. A recent survey demonstrated that the citrus red mite (Panonychus citri, CRM) is the most important allergen in the development of asthma in citrus farmers.
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether susceptibility or resistance to CRM-induced asthma was associated with HLA-DRB1 gene.
Methods: DNAs were extracted from two groups of unrelated Korean adults living around citrus farms: (1) Ninety-one adults with CRM-sensitive asthma; and (2) 98 exposed, healthy nonatopic controls. Genotypes of HLA-DRB1 alleles were carried out using PCR-based methods.
Results: Allelic frequency of HLA-DRB1(*)07 was higher in the CRM-sensitive asthmatics compared to the controls (17.6% vs 4.1%, Pc = 0.01). Conversely, the frequency of DRB1*04 was lower in the CRM-sensitive asthmatics compared to the controls (19.8% vs 40.8%, Pc = 0.01). No significant difference was found in the distributions of the other HLA-DRB1 gene-encoded antigens between the two groups.
Conclusion: HLA-DRB1 genes may be involved in the development of CRM-induced asthma. In addition, HLA-DR7 may increase, and DR4 decrease, the risk of developing the asthma in CRM-exposed adults.