A novel DRB3 allele (DRB3*0208), a new allelic variant of DRB1*1502 (DRB1*15023) and two new DQB1 (DQB1*03012 and DQB1*0614) alleles.

Four novel HLA Class II alleles were identified using CANTYPE reverse hybridization assay. The initial unusual SSO hybridization patterns were confirmed by cloning and sequencing analysis. DRB3*0208 allele is identical to DRB3*0202 except for three nucleotide substitutions (GAT-->AGC) changing codon 57 from Asp to Ser.

Prevention of cytokine accumulation in platelets obtained with the COBE spectra apheresis system.

Background And Objectives: Febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions frequently accompany platelet transfusions and may be due to accumulation of cytokines mediating inflammation during storage of platelet concentrates (PCs). We wished to determine whether PCs collected using the COBE(R) SpectraTM Apheresis System (Version 4) were sufficiently leukocyte reduced (LR) to limit cytokine accumulation during storage.

Materials And Methods: Cytokine accumulation - interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) - and release of platelet alpha-granule - P-selectin, transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), platelet-derived growth factor AB (PDGF-AB), von Willebrand factor (vWf) - or dense granule (serotonin) markers were investigated during a 7-day storage period comparing apheresis-collected, LR PCs (LR PCs) and random donor platelets prepared from whole blood (WB).

Identification of novel DRB1*13 (DRB1*1333), DRB1*04 (DRB1*0426) and DRB5* (DRB5*0109) alleles.

Three novel HLA class II alleles (DRB1*1333, DRB1*0426, DRB5*0109) are described here. The 3 novel alleles were initially detected as previously unidentified SSO hybridization patterns using the CANTYPE reverse hybridization assay. Sequences were determined by cloning/sequencing.

Identification of new DRB1*07 (DRB1*0703), DRB1*08 (DRB1*0817) and two DRB3* (DRB3*0302 and DRB3*01014) alleles.

We report here the identification of four novel DRB alleles using a reverse hybridization (CANTYPE) assay. Molecular cloning and sequencing confirmed the initial unusual hybridization patterns. All four new alleles were detected during routine HLA typing for the Canadian Unrelated Bone Marrow Donor Registry.