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M Bunce

Publications and source records attributed to M Bunce.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Long-range PCR amplification as an alternative strategy for characterizing novel HLA-B alleles.

We have developed a simple, rapid and reliable method for specifically amplifying and cloning full-length HLA-B genes from genomic DNA. Using this methodology we characterized three alleles of interest at the molecular level. Two of the alleles appeared in our routine class I PCR-SSOP typing system, a variant of B*5801 found in the Daudi cell line and RCE 56 and a variant of B*4101 found in a number of volunteer donors on our Bone Marrow Donor Registry. The third, a variant B35 allele found in RCE 80, was first identified as unusual by serology. Our sequencing analysis of exon 2 and exon 3 identified two of these alleles as the recently reported novel HLA-B*5802 and HLA-B*4102 alleles, while the third represents a new B35 allele officially designated B*3513.

Alleles↗

The association between lichen sclerosus and antigens of the HLA system.

Although frequently linked clinically with autoimmune disease, no immunogenetic basis for lichen sclerosus has ever been established. In this study, we examined in detail the HLA antigens of 84 patients with histologically proven disease, compared with 357 controls. Patients with lichen sclerosus did not have the expected HLA A1, B8, DR3, DQ2 autoimmune profile. Instead, DQ7 was present in 39 of 78 (50%) of patients compared with 89 (25%) controls (P < 0.001). In addition, 61 of 78 patients (78%) had either DQ7, DQ8 or DQ9 antigens, or a combination of these, compared with 142 (40%) controls (P < 0.01). Raised levels of DQ7 correspond to a glutamic acid residue at position 45 of the DQB1 locus. Proline amino acids at position 55 of this DQB1 locus could explain the raised levels of DQ7, 8 and 9, and exert a secondary effect. There is preliminary evidence that the immunogenetic profile of patients with this disease may affect disease expression with regard to site and extent of involvement.

Adolescent↗

Comprehensive, serologically equivalent DNA typing for HLA-B by PCR using sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP).

Polymorphic products of HLA class I genes from the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are traditionally assigned by serology with additional heterogeneity detectable using one-dimensional isoelectric focusing (1D-IEF). With the increased availability of HLA class I DNA sequence information it has become feasible to genotype for class I by polymerase chain reaction utilising sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP). We describe here a comprehensive HLA-B PCR-SSP typing system based on available HLA nucleotide sequences which can detect all serologically defined antigens in most heterozygous combination in 48 one-step PCR reactions. In addition, four new unsequenced variants have been identified. DNA samples from 57 International Histocompatibility Workshop reference cell lines and 160 control individuals have been typed by the HLA-B PCR-SSP technique. 3/57 cell line types and 12/160 normal control individuals types were discrepant with the reported serological types. The SSP system has been designed to be higher resolution than serology but is not a complete allele-specific PCR although many single alleles can be identified. The system is entirely complementary to previous published PCR-SSP systems for HLA-Class II and HLA-Class I in that the same PCR conditions and controls are used which allows us to do one step PCR-SSP for all relevant HLA loci in under 3 hours in a system suitable for the typing of cadaver donors.

Alleles↗

Genetic polymorphism within HLA-A*02: significant allelic variation revealed in different populations.

HLA-A2 is present at high frequency in most populations, as identified by serological and biochemical means. The value of these methods is limited by their failure to discriminate between the products of the 14 known allelic HLA-A*02 variants. The great majority of genetic polymorphism which defines the allelic variants is found in exons 2 and 3 of the A*02 genes. These exons encode the alpha-1 and alpha-2 domains of the HLA Class I molecules, and variation within the genes may influence the peptide binding specificity of the gene products of each allele. Failure to accurately assign the allelic types has implications in transplantation, in interpretation of cellular assays and in the understanding of HLA disease associations. We have developed a method for determining the 14 known alleles of HLA-A*02 by use of ARMS-PCR to determine the degree of variation of HLA-A*02 alleles in 3 different population groups. Considerable variation was found in the relative frequencies of particular A*02 alleles between Caucasian, oriental and black individuals. Our results indicate the importance of ethnic origin in terms of the expected HLA-A*02 allelic profile, and emphasize the functional significance of allele specific subtyping of HLA-A*02.

Alleles↗

Anchored PCR cloning of the novel HLA-Cw*0704 allele detected by PCR-SSP.

The novel HLA-Cw*0704 allele, previously detected as the PCR-SSP variant Cw7/8v, has been cloned and sequenced from the homozygous typing cell KRO3/4 after amplification by anchored PCR. The nucleotide sequence of Cw*0704 is closely related to those of other Cw*07 alleles, but carries specific changes in exon 3 consistent with its serological behavior-a short Cw7 cross-reactive with antibodies directed against HLA-Cw8. Some of the substitutions of Cw*0704 have not been previously described for HLA-C but are found in HLA-B alleles and in published C sequences of non-human primates. The new allele carries a novel polymorphism in its 5' untranslated region (5' ut) that could be shared by all Cw*07 alleles. By PCR-SSP, Cw*0704 is a relatively common allele in English Caucasoids at a frequency of 4.6%. It is most often observed on HLA-B44 haplotypes previously described as HLA-C "blank", although linkage disequilibria with other HLA-B specificities have been found.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Phototyping: comprehensive DNA typing for HLA-A, B, C, DRB1, DRB3, DRB4, DRB5 & DQB1 by PCR with 144 primer mixes utilizing sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP).

We have developed a single DNA typing method which uses 144 sequence-specific primer (SSP) reactions to simultaneously detect all known HLA-A, B, C, DRB1, DRB3, DRB4, DRB5 and DQB1 specificities in an allele specific or group specific manner using the same method, reagents, PCR parameters and protocols for all loci. The results from this integrated class I & II method can be visualized on a single photographic or electronic image and hence is described as "Phototyping". Phototyping has an overall resolution greater than or equivalent to good serology and results can be obtained in under 3 hours making the method suitable for genotyping potential cadaver donor peripheral blood without serological backup. This in turn produces the potential for reducing cold ischaemia times in renal transplantation as well as the application of prospective matching to cardiac and liver transplantation. The method has capacity to detect new alleles, for example, novel amplification patterns suggestive of 4 new HLA-B alleles have been detected. The Phototyping set has been used as the sole method of HLA typing for over 1010 individuals. Phototyping is not problem-free; deviations from the standard protocol, poor quality DNA and unsuitable PCR machines can result in individual PCR failures or in incorrect assignment of antigens. Approximately 5% of genotypes were repeated (either partially or fully) because of incomplete or equivocal results.

Base Sequence↗

HLA typing for DR3 and DR4 using artificial restriction fragment length polymorphism PCR from archival DNA.

AIM: To develop polymerase chain reaction based artificial restriction fragment length polymorphism (artificial RFLP PCR) assays for DR3 and DR4 alleles of the multiallelic DRB1 locus and to apply them to paraffin wax embedded archival material. METHODS: Sixty five samples from DRB1 typed cell lines were analysed using the artificial RFLP PCR method to determine the specificity and sensitivity of the system. RESULTS: The artificial RFLP PCR method for typing the DRB1 locus showed 100% accuracy in the 65 samples previously typed using allele specific PCR and serology. The samples included 18 combinations of alleles that included DR3, 18 that included DR4, four that were DR3/DR4 heterozygotes, and 10 samples that were neither DR3 nor DR4. Typing of 10 paraffin wax embedded samples using artificial RFLP PCR was in complete agreement with previous typing at the DRB1 locus. CONCLUSION: The application of artificial RFLP PCR for the analysis of multiallelic loci, such as those of the HLA system, in archival DNA samples has been achieved. Artificial RFLP PCR is a robust, easily implemented, non-isotopic system and may be useful for large retrospective studies.

Alleles↗

Molecular characterization of a novel, serologically detectable, HLA-C allele: Cw*1602.

Cw*1602, a novel HLA-C allele belonging to the newly assigned Cw*16 group, has been cloned and sequenced from a Spanish Caucasoid cell expressing a "Cw6.2" phenotype. Some of the polymorphic substitutions of the new allele, and linkage disequilibrium to B51, had been predicted on the basis of previously published studies. The primary structure of Cw*1602 is in agreement with its serologic reactivity and, in comparison with that of Cw*1601, underlines the dimorphism of HLA-C molecules at residues 77 and 80 of the alpha 1-domain alpha helix.

Alleles↗

Rapid DNA typing for HLA-C using sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP): identification of serological and non-serologically defined HLA-C alleles including several new alleles.

Detection of HLA-C antigens by complement mediated cytotoxicity using human alloantisera is often difficult. Between 20 to 40% of individuals in every race have undetectable HLA-C locus antigens and 9 out of the 29 sequenced HLA-C alleles so far published encode serologically undetected antigens. In addition, HLA-C molecules are expressed at the cell surface at about 10% of the levels of HLA-A and HLA-B. Recently, amplification of DNA using sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) has proved a reliable and rapid method for typing HLA-DR, HLA-DQA and HLA-DQB genes. PCR-SSP takes two hours to perform and is therefore suitable for the genotyping of cadaveric donors. We have designed a set of primers which will positively identify the HLA-C alleles corresponding to the serologically defined series HLA-Cw1, Cw2, Cw3, Cw4, Cw5, Cw6, Cw7 and Cw8. The serologically undetectable alleles have also been detected in groups according to sequence homology. In addition, three new unsequenced variants have been identified. DNA samples from 56 International Histocompatibility Workshop reference cell lines and 103 control individuals have been typed by the HLA-C PCR-SSP technique. 4/56 cell line types and 11/103 normal control individuals types were discrepant with the reported serological types. All combinations of serologically detectable and most of the serologically blank HLA-C antigens can be readily identified. DNA typing for HLA-Cw by PCR-SSP can take as little as 130 minutes from start to finish, including DNA preparation.

Alleles↗

HLA-B15: a widespread and diverse family of HLA-B alleles.

HLA-B15 embraces a multiplicity of antigenic specificities which vary in their distribution amongst human populations. To correlate B15 molecular structure with the serological picture we have sequenced alleles encoding the various subspecificities of the B15 antigen: B62, B63, B75, B76 and B77, and a number of "variants" of these antigens including the 8w66 split of B63. HLA-B63 (B*1517) and 8w66 (B*1516) heavy chains have sequence identity to B17 in the alpha 1 helix correlating with the antigenic crossreactivity of these molecules. HLA-B77(B*1513) and B75 (B*1502) heavy chains differ solely in segments determining the Bw4 and Bw6 public epitopes, consistent with the serological description of the B77 and B75 antigens. One allele encoding the B76 antigen (B*1512) appears to be the product of gene conversion between the HLA-A and -B loci and differs from B*1501 in codons 166 and 167. In contrast, a second allele encoding the B76 antigen (B*1514) differs from B*1501 by an unrelated substitution in codon 167 which confers similarily with B45, an antigen crossreactive with B76. A third allele encoding B76, B*1519, differs from B*1512 by a unique point substitution in exon 4. Three alleles encoding variant B15 and B62 antigens (B*1508, B*1511 and B*1515) differ from B*1501 by localized clusters of substitutions that probably result from interallelic conversion. The B15 sequences described in this paper, in combination with those previously determined, define a family of 22 alleles, including those encoding the B46 and B70 antigens. Within this family the patterns of allelic substitution are analogous to those of other HLA-A and -B families, in that pairwise differences almost always involve functional positions of the antigen recognition site and recombination is the major agent of diversification.

Alleles↗

Rapid HLA-DQB typing by eight polymerase chain reaction amplifications with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP).

Molecular genotyping of HLA class II genes using group-specific DNA amplification by the PCR followed by probing with (PCR-SSO) probes is too time consuming for the typing of cadaveric organ donors. Recently, amplification of DNA using PCR-SSP has proved a reliable and rapid method for typing HLA-DRB1 genes. PCR-SSP takes 2 hours to perform and is therefore suitable for the genotyping of cadaveric donors. We have designed a set of primers that in eight PCR reactions will positively identify the HLA-DQB1 alleles corresponding to the serologically defined series HLA-DQ2, DQ4, DQ5, DQ6, DQ7, DQ8, and DQ9. Presently, 30 homozygous cell lines and 138 individuals have been typed by the DQB1 PCR-SSP technique and compared with a combination of serology and RFLP with 100% concordance. No false-negative or false-positive amplifications were recorded. All combinations of DQB1 can be readily identified. DQB1 PCR-SSP can take as little as 130 minutes from start to finish, including DNA preparation.

Alleles↗

Clinical and socioeconomic benefits of serological HLA-DR matching for renal transplantation over three eras of immunosuppression regimens at a single unit.

The efficacy of HLA-DR matching in cadaveric renal transplantation is controversial in the cyclosporine (CsA) era. Reports have questioned both the reliability of serological HLA-DR typing as well as the benefit of matching in terms of improved graft survival. Analysis of 1,000 consecutive cadaver donor transplants performed at Oxford between 1975 and 1992 has shown that with improved immunosuppressive regimens and increased transplant success there has been a steadily diminishing influence of HLA-DR matching measured in terms of first graft outcome. For patients treated with azathioprine and prednisolone (n = 278) overall one-year first graft survival was 65%, but there was a 20% improvement associated with HLA-DR matching which has been maintained for up to 15 years. With the introduction of CsA, used either alone or in conjunction with low dose steroids (n = 96), one-year first graft survival was 69% and the difference between HLA-DR-matched and -mismatched transplants was 14%. Our current maintenance immunosuppressive protocol is triple therapy (N = 425) with an 81% one-year first graft survival for both matched and mismatched transplants. However, we do continue to find a marked correlation between HLA-DR matching and clinical course. HLA-DR-mismatched patients suffer more rejection episodes, spend a longer time in the hospital, and have higher creatinine levels at 3 months. This costs, on average, an extra 1,500 pounds for each mismatched transplant. The effect is most apparent in unsensitized males. For cadaveric regrafts, one-year graft survival for patients on triple therapy is 80% (n = 116) which does not differ from first graft survival rates.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Graft Rejection↗

Interethnic genetic differentiation in Africa: HLA class I antigens in The Gambia.

A total of 752 individuals from The Gambia, west Africa who are representative of the major ethnic groups in the capital, Banjul, were serologically typed for HLA-A, -B, and -C antigens. Although all were typically "African" in their antigenic profiles, some marked frequency differences were found between the ethnic groups. Genetic distance comparisons with several other African populations showed that, although these west African populations clustered closely together, the positions of the various ethnic groups in The Gambia were consistent with historical and linguistic evidence of their affinities with one another and with other African populations. Despite the potential confounding effects both of selection by infectious diseases and of genetic drift caused by local differences in population structure, HLA frequencies appear to be of value in measuring inter- and intraregional population affinities in sub-Saharan Africa.

Africa↗

Sequence analysis of HLA-Bw53, a common West African allele, suggests an origin by gene conversion of HLA-B35.

In the West African population of the Gambia the class I antigen HLA-Bw53 is found at high frequency. We used the polymerase chain reaction to amplify cDNA from an individual homozygous for this allele and determined the nucleotide sequence of the polymorphic alpha 1 and alpha 2 domains. The HLA-Bw53 sequence is identical to HLA-B35 except for a short sequence at the 3' end of exon 2 (encoding the alpha 1 domain) which specifies a Bw4 rather than a Bw6 motif. This suggests an origin for HLA-Bw53 involving a gene conversion of HLA-B35 by an allele containing this Bw4 sequence. The alpha 2 domain shared by HLA-Bw53, -B35, and -Bw58 is particularly common in sub-Saharan Africans.

Adult↗

The production of a human monoclonal antibody defining a split of HLA-DRw13 (DRw13b).

By use of the heterohybridoma technique we have produced a human monoclonal antibody (NDS40) which detects a split of HLA-DRw13 (DRw13b) which is in linkage with HLA-DQw1. In addition, the antibody reacts with cells positive for HLA-DRw8 and DRw11, but does not react with the commonly found split of DRw13 (DRw13a) which is associated with DQw1. NDS40 is cytotoxic and is of the lambda IgM class.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗