HLA-E*0101 allele in homozygous state favors severe bacterial infections in sickle cell anemia

Hum Immunol. 2007 Oct;68(10):849-53. doi: 10.1016/j.humimm.2007.08.260. Epub 2007 Sep 19.

Abstract

Severe bacterial infections are the major causes of morbidity and mortality in sickle cell anemia (SCA) but are poorly explained. The distribution of a bi-allelic polymorphism (Arg107Gly) of human leukocyte antigen-E (HLA-E) locus was investigated in 144 SCA patients, most of whom originated from from sub-Saharan Africa. Among them, 73 presented with at least one severe bacterial infection, whereas 71 did not. The HLA-E*0101/E*0101 genotype was more frequent among the group with infections than their counterparts (47% vs 21%; p corrected = 0.003). This genetic association is of relevance, given the emerging evidence for the involvement of HLA-E molecules in host response to pathogens.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alleles*
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell / epidemiology
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell / genetics*
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell / microbiology*
  • Bacterial Infections / epidemiology
  • Bacterial Infections / genetics*
  • Black People
  • Comorbidity
  • Female
  • HLA Antigens / genetics*
  • HLA-E Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
  • Homozygote*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mali / epidemiology
  • Paris / epidemiology
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Senegal / epidemiology

Substances

  • HLA Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I