HLA-DRB1 and DQB1 polymorphisms in Southern France and genetic relationships with other Mediterranean populations

This study presents the results of HLA-DRB1 and DQB1 sequence-specific olig onucleotide probe (SSOP) typing For a population sample of 181 individuals originating from southern France. On the basis of allele and haplotype freq uencies, we compared our population with others from the Mediterranean area . Allele frequencies are comparable to those found in other western Europea n populations (France, Portugal, Spain) and indicate neighboring exchanges. The haplotype frequencies showed relationships with North Africans and Jew ish populations, as well as the common origin of Moroccan and Lebanese Jews . Therefore, allele frequencies seem to be more able to show recent exchang es wile haplotype frequencies might show ancestral relationships. These res ults may serve as references for future studies of HLA and disease in south ern France. Hyman Immunology GI, 930-936 (2000). (C) American Society for H istocompatibility and Immunogenetics, 2000. Published by Elsevier Science I nc.