A novel HLA-B*51 allele (B*5116) identified by nucleotide sequencing

We report here an additional HLA-B*51 variant designated HLA-B*5116. Detect ed by an abnormal serological reactivity pattern. this variant was identifi ed as a B*51 allele by polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific pr imers (PCR-SSP) and characterized by nucleotide sequencing. The new variant sequence match closely with the classical HLA B*5101 excepted two adjacent nucleotide substitutions at positions 216 and 217 of the third exon and th e subsequent Leucine to Glutamic acid change at codon 163 of the alpha 2 do main (CTG-->GAG). This new variant was nut detected in three different ethn ic groups (French, Algerian and Lebanese) suggesting a very rare frequency.