Complementary DNA sequence of the novel HLA-B*3704 allele

The novel HLA-B*3704 allele was identified by polymerase chain reaction with sequence specific oligoneucletides (PCR-SSO) in a Spanish Caucasoid individual whose T-lymphocytes showed an ambiguous HLA-B phenotype. The nucleotide sequence of B*3704 was determined after reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) amplification and molecular cloning of its complete coding region. B*3704 differs from B*3701 by a single nucleotide replacement that induces the substitution of histidine for tyrosine 171. Residue 171 Is located in the alpha-helix of the alpha-2 domain, lining the A pocket of the peptide-binding site. Therefore the His(171) substitution seen in HLA-B*3704 is likely to affect its antigen-presenting properties and Is probably responsible for the differentiated serological phenotype of this allele In comparison with B*3701.