NOVEL HLA-A AND HLA-B ALLELES

Nine novel HLA-A and HLA-B alleles are described: A2609, A*6803, A*68 06, B1539, B*1540, B*2712, B*4103, B*5109, and B*5603. Most appear to have arisen by gene conversion events. B5603 appears to have arisen by a reciprocal recombination event joining exon 2 of a B55/*56 allel e with exon 3 of a B15 allele. Seroiogically, the antigen encoded by this allele types with broad B22- and Bw6-specific alloantisera. Also unique, the antigen encoded by B2712 does not react with B27-specific alloantisera but does react with Bw6-specific alloantisera.