Polymorphisms of TAP, LMP and HLA-DM genes in the Chinese

Objective To investigate the distribution of antigen-processing genes trans porter associated with antigen processing (TAP), low molecular weight prote asome (LMP2) and HLA-DM in the Shanghai population and to explore the possi ble role of these genes in the genetic susceptibility to autoimmune disease s IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and multiple sclerosis(MS). Methods Eighty normal Shanghai Chinese, 60 patients with IgAN and 21 patien ts with MS were randomly selected and genotyped for antigen-processing gene s (TAP1, TAP2, LMP2, HLA-DMA and -DMB) using polymerase chain reaction-sequ ence specific oligonucleotide (PCR-SSO) and polymerase chain reaction-restr iction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Two-locus linkage disequili brium analysis was performed. Results Four TAP1, 6 TAP2, 2 LMP2, 3 DMA and 4 DMB alleles were observed. S tatistically significant associations were found between TAP1B-TAP2A, TAP1B -LMP2H and TAP2D-HLA-DMA* 0101 (Pc<0.01). There was no association between antigen-processing genes and either IgAN or MS. Conclusion The polymorphisms of antigen-processing genes in this Shanghai p opulation are similar to those observed in the other ethnic populations. No association was found between ISAN or MS and any antigen-processing genes tested in Shanghai population.