Development of simple and rapid HLA-C genotyping method using an oligonucleotide microarray

Abstract

Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA), called human Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), performs the crucial function of antigen presentation in human immunity, and correctly matched HLA antigens improves survival and reduces immunological complications. Therefore, a precise HLA typing method is necessary for successful transplantation between donor and recipient. Until now, many methods have been developed for HLA typing, including serological and DNA-based methods. However, these previous methods have been somewhat limited due to their requirements for a large number of samples and complex experimental procedures. To resolve this problem, in this study, we developed rapid genotyping methods for HLA-C using an oligonucleotide microarray. To evaluate the performance of the HLA-C genotyping microarray, we analyzed 50 unrelated Korean individuals. The genotyping results obtained by the oligonucleotide microarray were identical with those of PCR-SBT and PCR-SSPs, at a low-resolution, 2-digit level. Therefore, this microarray method for genotyping HLA constitutes a rapid, simultaneous, and high-throughput method that can be used as an alternative to current methods.