title: Pocket 4 in the HLA-DRB1 antigen-binding groove: an association with atopy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Many studies have attempted to identify an association between HLA genes and atopy, given the role of HLA molecules in the regulation of the immune response. In the case of house-dust mites, it is difficult to find an association with a particular HLA allele, due to the complexity of the allergen. The objective was to investigate whether HLA-DRB1 functional groups are better correlated with the atopic disease in our population than DRB1 alleles.
  
  
  METHODS
  The method was reanalysis of the HLA-DRB1 data of a previous case/ control study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The "Dr" group was found to be associated with the atopic disease in our population.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Grouping HLA-DRB1 alleles into functional categories may assist in the search for predictive factors in relation to atopic disease.
authors.affiliation: Research Unit, Hospital de Gran Canaria Dr Negrín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Torres-Galván
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Quiralte
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Blanco
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Castillo
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Carrillo
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pérez-Aciego
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sánchez-García
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects; D000818:Animals; D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides; D001249:Asthma / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics*; D003231:Conjunctivitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics*; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005787:Gene Frequency; D005802:Genes, MHC Class II / Q000235:genetics*; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000009:adverse effects; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000235:genetics*; D059811:HLA-DRB1 Chains; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008925:Mites; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides; D006023:Glycoproteins; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D059811:HLA-DRB1 Chains; D004247:DNA