title: Molecular modelling of HLA-DQ suggests a mechanism of resistance in type 1 diabetes.
abstract: Genetic resistance and susceptibility to insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) have been associated with the HLA class II region on chromosome 6. In many races, the DQB1*0602 allele has been observed at a decreased frequency in IDDM, suggesting a protective role. A DNA sequence analysis of five patients, previously typed as having allele DQB1*0602, revealed sequence variation: one is DQB1*0603 and four possess unique sequences related to DQB1*0602 (one patient) or DQB1*0603 (three patients). Samples from four unaffected controls possessed normal DQB1*0602 sequences, and all patients and controls have normal DQA1 sequences. Each of the four unique patient sequences yields predicted amino acid sequences differing from the more common DQB1 alleles by variation at codons 9,38 (silent), 59, and/or 62. Molecular modelling of the predicted protein sequence of these permissive variants reveals an HLA-DQ structure from diabetic patients that differs in the surface contour of the peptide-binding groove from normal DQB1*0602 sequence. In all the models of permissive molecules, the surface area corresponding to the HLA-DR pockets 6,7 and 9 are modified. These pockets accommodate side chains of the bound peptide; thus modification of this region could alter peptide specificity. This 'pocket change' suggests that the normal allele could confer dominant protection against the development of IDDM by affecting peptide and/or T cell receptor (TCR) binding. This could regulate the deletion or suppression of T cell clones inappropriately recognizing the beta cells of the pancreas.
authors.affiliation: Coriell Institute for Medical Research, Camden, New Jersey, USA.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Hoover
authors.forename: R T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Marta
mesh_terms: D000483:Alleles; D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D001483:Base Sequence; D002999:Clone Cells / Q000276:immunology; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology*; D005091:Exons; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006683:HLA-DQ Antigens / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D015394:Molecular Structure; D010179:Pancreas / Q000276:immunology; D010455:Peptides / Q000502:physiology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000502:physiology; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D017386:Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
chemical_list: D006683:HLA-DQ Antigens; D010455:Peptides; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell