Abstract
The complete sequence of a new HLA-C allele, Cw * 1701, was determined from a South African Zulu individual. Unique features that distinguish Cw * 1701 from other HLA-C alleles include multiple point substitutions and an 18 nucleotide insertion in exon 5, which encodes the transmembrane domain. In a phylogenetic analysis of HLA-C sequences, Cw * 1701 forms a third, distinct allelic lineage. A comparison of the transmembrane domain of Cw * 1701 with other HLA-B and -C alleles reveals that duplications and deletions have been common in the evolution of these loci. A polymerase chain reaction based typing method was used to determine the distribution of this unusual allele in human populations. In contrast to the other two lineages of HLA-C alleles, the Cw * 17 lineage is found at high frequencies only in populations of African descent. In addition, the HLA-B/Cw * 17 haplotype diversity is higher in Africa.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 29 June 1996 / Revised: 20 December 1996
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Wells, R., Seielstad, M., Bunce, M. et al. Cw * 1701 defines a divergent African HLA-C allelic lineage. Immunogenetics 46, 173–180 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002510050259
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002510050259