HETERODUPLEXES FOR HLA DQB1 IDENTITY OF FAMILY MEMBERS AND KIDNEY DONOR-RECIPIENT PAIRS

DNA heteroduplex (HD) electrophoretic patterns of DQB1 alleles from 12 4 individuals (38 members from 7 families and 43 kidney donor-recipien t pairs) were analyzed in reference to each individual's DQB1 dialleli c types determined by the polymerase chain reaction-RFLP method. The a ssignment of DQB1 homozygosity and heterozygosity, based solely on HD patterns, was accurate and correlated well with the typing results. DQ B1 homozygotes invariably gave HD patterns of a single band while hete rozygotes gave HD patterns of multiple bands. Distinct HD patterns of 2 heterozygotes predict the presence of at least 1 different DQB1 type between the pair. However, pairs with identical MD patterns may have different subtypes, because HDs with 1 or 2 nucleotide differences may sometimes give an identical HD pattern. Because of its simplicity and reproducibility, this HD analysis protocol serves as an excellent alt ernative to screen for DQB1 homozygotes and mismatched tissue donor-re cipient pahs. This protocol is also useful for confirming the correctn ess of DQB1 allelic type assignments in a clinical setting.