Relation of HLA class I and II supertypes with spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus

Genes Immun. 2013 Jul-Aug;14(5):330-5. doi: 10.1038/gene.2013.25. Epub 2013 May 2.

Abstract

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotype has been associated with the probability of spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, no prior studies have examined whether this relationship may be further characterized by grouping HLA alleles according to their supertypes, defined by their binding capacities. There is debate regarding the most appropriate method to define supertypes. Therefore, previously reported HLA supertypes (46 class I and 25 class II) were assessed for their relation with HCV clearance in a population of 758 HCV-seropositive women. Two HLA class II supertypes were significant in multivariable models that included: (i) supertypes with significant or borderline associations with HCV clearance after adjustment for multiple tests, and (ii) individual HLA alleles not part of these supertypes, but associated with HCV clearance in our prior study in this population. Specifically, supertype DRB3 (prevalence ratio (PR)=0.4; P=0.004) was associated with HCV persistence, whereas DR8 (PR=1.8; P=0.01) was associated with HCV clearance. Two individual alleles (B*57:01 and C*01:02) associated with HCV clearance in our prior study became nonsignificant in analysis that included supertypes, whereas B*57:03 (PR=1.9; P=0.008) and DRB1*07:01 (PR=1.7; P=0.005) retained their significance. These data provide epidemiologic support for the significance of HLA supertypes in relation to HCV clearance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • HLA Antigens / classification
  • HLA Antigens / genetics
  • HLA Antigens / immunology*
  • HLA-B Antigens / genetics
  • HLA-B Antigens / immunology*
  • HLA-DR Serological Subtypes / genetics
  • HLA-DR Serological Subtypes / immunology*
  • HLA-DRB1 Chains / genetics
  • HLA-DRB1 Chains / immunology*
  • Hepacivirus / immunology*
  • Hepatitis C / genetics
  • Hepatitis C / immunology*
  • Hepatitis C / virology
  • Humans
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Review Literature as Topic

Substances

  • HLA Antigens
  • HLA-B Antigens
  • HLA-B*57:03 antigen
  • HLA-DR Serological Subtypes
  • HLA-DR8 antigen
  • HLA-DRB1 Chains
  • HLA-DRB1*07 antigen