The characteristic of HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DRB3/4/5, -DQA1, -DQB1, -DPA1 and -DPB1 loci in Zhejiang Han population

Abstract

Abstract The Zhejiang Han population, a subgroup of the Southern Han ethnic group, resides in Zhejiang Province, situated on the southeast coast of China. In this study, we conducted HLA genotyping for 813 voluntary umbilical cord blood donors from the Zhejiang Han population, targeting 11 HLA loci, namely HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DRB3/4/5, -DQA1, -DQB1, -DPA1 and -DPB1, using the next-generation sequencing method. Our analysis of the alleles and haplotypes revealed a high degree of polymorphism within these loci. A total of 289 unique HLA alleles were identified, with the HLA-B locus exhibiting the most significant diversity, while HLA-DRB4 displayed the lowest variation. Due to the inherent limitations of the sequencing method, some unresolvable alleles in the specific loci, such as HLA-DRB1, -DPA1, and -DPB1, were assigned as G group designation. In our comprehensive analysis across all 11 HLA loci, a total of 1204 haplotypes were estimated. The distribution of these alleles were similar to those of the Chinese Southern Han population while highly different from the Caucasian population. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the genetic characteristics of HLA loci within the Chinese Southern Han population.