Analysis of HLA-DQA, HLA-DQB frequencies in a group of Sardinian centenarians.
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles, regulating type and intensity of the immune response, might influence life expectancy. In previous case-control studies the authors have demonstrated that both HLA-DR and -DQ alleles are not associated with longevity in the Sardinian population. On the other hand, association studies are subjected (as part of the homogeneity of the population in terms of geographic origin) to a number of possible confounding factors. Therefore, the authors typed the HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1 alleles in 24 sibs (age range 85 to 97) of 17 centenarians by PCR-SSP. Sib pair analysis showed nonsignificant differences between the observed and expected percentage of DQA* or DQB1* allele sharing. Therefore, these data strengthen the view that class II HLA genes have a marginal effect, if any, on the complex longevity trait.
Scola
Letizia
L
Immunosenescence Unit, Department of Pathobiology and Biomedical Methodology, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
Lio
Domenico
D
Crivello
Antonio
A
Candore
Giuseppina
G
Forte
Giusi Irma
GI
Colonna-Romano
Giuseppina
G
Pes
Mario Giovanni
MG
Carru
Ciriaco
C
Ferrucci
Luigi
L
Deiana
Luca
L
Baggio
Giovannella
G
Franceschi
Claudio
C
Caruso
Calogero
C
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000483:Alleles; D006683:HLA-DQ Antigens / Q000235:genetics*; D059848:HLA-DQ alpha-Chains; D059866:HLA-DQ beta-Chains; D006801:Humans; D008136:Longevity / Q000235:genetics*
D006683:HLA-DQ Antigens; D059848:HLA-DQ alpha-Chains; D059866:HLA-DQ beta-Chains; C069050:HLA-DQA1 antigen; C057615:HLA-DQbeta antigen