HLA class II allele distribution in the Gypsy community of Andalusia, southern Spain

Tissue Antigens. 2001 Feb;57(2):138-43. doi: 10.1034/j.1399-0039.2001.057002138.x.

Abstract

We have studied the allele distribution of DRB1, DQB1 and DPB1 loci in 80 unrelated Gypsies living in different eastern areas of the Andalusian province of Granada (southern Spain). The frequency distribution of HLA class II alleles and the genetic distance of Andalusian Gypsies from several Caucasian populations indicate a marked similarity - but not total - of the former with the Gypsy population previously studied in Madrid (central Spain), which suggests that both groups migrated together out of India. In terms of genetic distance, both Gypsy groups are more like the Czech Gypsies and the Northern Indian groups than their neighbouring Caucasian non-Gypsy populations. In summary our data support the hypothesis of a common anthropological origin of all three European Gypsy groups, which probably split up after their arrival in Europe.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genetic Variation
  • Genetics, Population*
  • HLA-DP Antigens / genetics
  • HLA-DP beta-Chains
  • HLA-DQ Antigens / genetics
  • HLA-DQ beta-Chains
  • HLA-DR Antigens / genetics
  • HLA-DRB1 Chains
  • Haplotypes
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Roma / genetics*
  • Spain

Substances

  • HLA-DP Antigens
  • HLA-DP beta-Chains
  • HLA-DPB1 antigen
  • HLA-DQ Antigens
  • HLA-DQ beta-Chains
  • HLA-DQB1 antigen
  • HLA-DR Antigens
  • HLA-DRB1 Chains
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II