Objective: To investigate the distribution of antigen-processing genes transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP), low molecular weight proteasome (LMP2) and HLA-DM in the Shanghai population and to explore the possible role of these genes in the genetic susceptibility to autoimmune diseases IgA nephropathy(IgAN) and multiple sclerosis(MS).
Methods: Eighty normal Shanghai Chinese, 60 patients with IgAN and 21 patients with MS were randomly selected and genotyped for antigen-processing genes (TAP1, TAP2, LMP2, HLA-DMA and -DMB) using polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific oligonucleotide (PCR-SSO) and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Two-locus linkage disequilibrium analysis was performed.
Results: Four TAP1, 6 TAP2, 2 LMP2, 3 DMA and 4 DMB alleles were observed. Statistically significant associations were found between TAP1B-TAP2A, TAP1B-LMP2H and TAP2D-HLA-DMA* 0101 (Pc < 0.01). There was no association between antigen-processing genes and either IgAN or MS.
Conclusion: The polymorphisms of antigen-processing genes in this Shanghai population are similar to those observed in the other ethnic populations. No association was found between IgAN or MS and any antigen-processing genes tested in Shanghai population.