On the MICA deleted-MICB null, HLA-B*4801 haplotype

A 100-kb deletion including the MICA gene was recently reported in the HLA- B48 (B*4801)-associated haplotype in Japanese. Interestingly: this MICA del etion is accompanied by a MICB null allele, MICB0107N. In order to further investigate the universality of the apparent tight linkage between these tw o events, we present data on high-resolution deletion mapping of eight HLA- B48-homozygous individuals. Among these, five carried the MICA deletion lin ked to MICB0107N, as originally reported. Conversely the remaining three po ssessed an intact MICA gene of MICA008 or MICA010 allelic variant associate d this time with a putative expressed MICB allele, MICB0102. These results may imply that the expression of both MICA and MICB molecules is indispensa ble to viability through a yet-to-be understood mutual interaction in immun e surveillance.