[Sequence analysis of a novel allele HLA-C*01:78].

Objective: To investigate the genetic basis for a novel allele HLA-C*01:78.

Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood using a QIAGEN quick DNA extraction kit. The regions encompassing HLA-C from exon 1 to intron 3 and intron 3 to 3'UTR were amplified and cloned using a cloning sequencing kit in order to split the two alleles apart. Selected clones were sequenced to include exons 2 to 4.

Results: Sequencing results have indicated the HLA-C alleles of the proband to be a novel C*03:04 allele. The sequence has been submitted to GenBank (KF049216). BLAST analysis has confirmed the novel allele to have one nucleotide difference as C*01:03 at genomic nt316C>A (codon 82CGC>AGC) in exon 2, which has resulted in replacement of one amino acid (82R>S).

Conclusion: The novel allele has been officially named as C*01:78 by the WHO Nomenclature Committee. The HLA allele type of the proband was therefore A*02:07, 24:02; B*40:01, 46:01; C*01:78, 03:04; DQB1*05:02, 05:02; DRB1*16:02, 16:02.