Analysis of the distribution of HLA-A alleles in populations from five continents

The variation and frequency of HLA-A genotypes were established by PCR-SSOP typing in diverse geographically distributed populations: Brazilian, Colom bian Kogui, Cuban, Mexican, Omani, Singapore Chinese, and South African Zul u. HLA-A allelic families with only one allele were identified for HLA-A*01 , -A*23, -A*25, -A*31, -A*32, A*36, -A*43, -A*69, -A*80; and with two allel es for HLA-A*03, -A*11, -A*26, -A*29, -A*33, -A*34, and -A*66. Greater vari ation was detected for HLA-A*02, -A*24, and -A*68 allele families. Colombia n Kogui and Mexican Seris showed the least diversity with respect to HLA-A alleles, albeit with small numbers rested, with only four and five HLA-A al leles identified, respectively. It would appear by their presence in all po pulations studied, either rural or indigenous, that certain alleles are ver y important in pathogen peptide presentation. (C) American Society for Hist ocompatibility and Immunogenetics, 2000. Published by Elscvier Science Inc.