HLA class I allele and haplotype diversity in Ugandans supports the presence of a major east African genetic cluster

Tissue Antigens. 2009 Mar;73(3):262-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-0039.2008.01192.x.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to characterize the class I human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genetic composition of the Ugandan population to better define its relationship with other African groups. Samples from 175 individuals from Kampala (Uganda) were subjected to class I HLA-A, -B, and -C sequence-based typing. The high concordance between the major alleles and haplotypes found in the current and Kenyan populations and interpopulation genetic distance analysis strongly supported the presence of an East African cluster that contained the current Ugandan population along with Kenyan Luo and Nandi populations. The congruence of major alleles in different populations would permit consideration of East Africa as an integrated setting when designing and evaluating much needed malaria, tuberculosis, and AIDS vaccines.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alleles*
  • Black People / genetics*
  • Haplotypes / genetics*
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Multigene Family / genetics*
  • Uganda

Substances

  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I