HLA-DR-linked genes are involved in the control of T lymphocyte blood levels.
In the present study we have evaluated the association of HLA-DR antigens with circulating leukocyte levels in 113 HLA-typed normal healthy Sicilians. By two methods of statistical analysis (chi 2 test and Student t test) it has been possible to demonstrate clearly a significant association between high levels of mononuclear cells and HLA-DR1 phenotype. This increased number of mononuclear cells in HLA-DR1-positive subjects is due to the increase of blood T cells, whereas monocytes, B cells, neutrophils, and eosinophils are unmodified. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that HLA-DR-linked gene(s) are involved in the control of blood T-cell levels.
D004804:Eosinophils / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D008040:Genetic Linkage; D006681:HLA-D Antigens / Q000235:genetics*; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics*; D015798:HLA-DR1 Antigen; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D009000:Monocytes / Q000502:physiology; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000502:physiology; D012802:Sicily; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology*
D006681:HLA-D Antigens; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D015798:HLA-DR1 Antigen