ISSN:
1365-2222
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Specific IgE responses to allergens provide useful models for evaluating the genetic factors that control human immune responses. A recent survey demonstrated that the citrus red mite (Panonychus citri, CRM) is the most important allergen in the development of asthma in citrus farmers.〈section xml:id="abs1-2"〉〈title type="main"〉ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate whether susceptibility or resistance to CRM-induced asthma was associated with HLA-DRB1 gene.〈section xml:id="abs1-3"〉〈title type="main"〉MethodsDNAs were extracted from two groups of unrelated Korean adults living around citrus farms: (1) Ninety-one adults with CRM-sensitive asthma; and (2) 98 exposed, healthy nonatopic controls. Genotypes of HLA-DRB1 alleles were carried out using PCR-based methods.〈section xml:id="abs1-4"〉〈title type="main"〉ResultsAllelic frequency of HLA-DRB1*07 was higher in the CRM-sensitive asthmatics compared to the controls (17.6% vs 4.1%, Pc = 0.01). Conversely, the frequency of DRB1*04 was lower in the CRM-sensitive asthmatics compared to the controls (19.8% vs 40.8%, Pc = 0.01). No significant difference was found in the distributions of the other HLA-DRB1 gene-encoded antigens between the two groups.〈section xml:id="abs1-5"〉〈title type="main"〉ConclusionHLA-DRB1 genes may be involved in the development of CRM-induced asthma. In addition, HLA-DR7 may increase, and DR4 decrease, the risk of developing the asthma in CRM-exposed adults.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2222.2000.00915.x
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