Identification of the CD32/Fc gamma RIIc-Q(13)/STP13 polymorphism using anallele-specific restriction enzyme digestion assay

We have recently reported that in addition to Fc gamma RIIIa (CD16), simila r to 45% of normal individuals also express Fc gamma RIIc (CD32) on their n atural killer (NK) cells. We found this expression to be regulated by an al lelic polymorphism localized in the first extracellular exon (ECI) of the F c gamma RIIC gene, corresponding to aa 13. This is determined by a single n ucleotide substitution, which results in either a functional open reading f rame (glutamine-Q) or a premature stop codon (STP). Identification of this polymorphism provided a good explanation for the lack of CD32 expression pr eviously observed with NK cells in some normal individuals. Here, we descri be a new method for detection of Fc gamma RIIc allelism based on RT-PCR amp lification followed by an allele-specific restriction enzyme digestion. Thi s method is rapid, reliable and time saving, as compared to the currently a vailable allele-specific oligo-nucleotide probe-based Southern Blotting. (C ) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.