title: Human leucocyte antigens (HLA) and trimellitic anhydride (TMA) immunological lung disease.
abstract: Occupational immunological lung disease, due to low molecular weight, reactive chemicals such as trimellitic anhydride (TMA), is an emerging health problem. If there were a marker that was highly predictive of the ability of the immune system to recognize TMA as an allergen, better prevention strategies could be employed with at risk individuals. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class specificity is associated with the development of late respiratory systemic syndrome (LRSS) or asthma due to immunological sensitivity to trimellitic anhydride (TMA). This is a case control study of 17 individuals with LRSS, 12 with asthma and 22 TMA similarly exposed individuals who did not develop LRSS or asthma. Comparing the sensitized individuals (LRSS or asthma) with the non-sensitized individuals (controls), we found no difference in frequency of any HLA antigen. In summary, the lack of association of HLA antigens with LRSS or asthma due to TMA suggests that these will not be useful markers to identify at risk individuals.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine of Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.
authors.forename: L C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Grammer
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Zeiss
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Yarnold
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Shaughnessy
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001249:Asthma / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D010796:Phthalic Anhydrides / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D015415:Biomarkers; D006680:HLA Antigens; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D010796:Phthalic Anhydrides; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; C015559:trimellitic anhydride