Non-classical MHC-Ι genes in chronic hepatitis B and hepatocellular carcinoma

Immunogenetics. 2012 Mar;64(3):251-8. doi: 10.1007/s00251-011-0580-2. Epub 2011 Oct 21.

Abstract

The non-classical human leukocyte antigens (HLA)-E, HLA-G, and HLA-F have been shown to modulate immune responses. We examined whether non-classical HLA polymorphisms are associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Fifteen Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these non-classical class I alleles were investigated by ligase detection reaction. A fragment of 650 bp located in the 3' untranslated region of HLA-G was investigated. Four SNPs (rs17875380, rs41557518, rs114465251, and rs115492845) were associated with altered susceptibility to HBV or HCC, and HLA-F*01:04, HLA-G*01:05N, and HLA-E*01:01 were associated with hepatitis B or hepatitis B complicated with HCC. Six of 16 designated HLA-E, -G, and -F haplotypes were associated with risk of hepatitis B or HCC. Our study provides healthy reference and detailed analyses of non-classical HLA class Ι polymorphisms that provide insight into immune mechanisms involved in susceptibility to hepatitis B and HCC.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / genetics*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / immunology
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Genotype
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / genetics*
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / immunology
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / genetics*
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / immunology
  • Humans
  • Linkage Disequilibrium
  • Liver Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Liver Neoplasms / immunology
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

Substances

  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I