HLA A19 subtypes and B loci related haplotype in selected caste groups from the Indian population.

ABSTRACT

The Indian population has been broadly classified as Aryans of Northern India and Dravidians of South India. The present study was undertaken to compile available data and investigate the genetic diversity of HLA A19 subtypes in Indians and its associated B locus haplotype frequency distribution at the population level. The study revealed that A33 was common among the selected North Indian caste groups (Aryans) while A31 was common among the selected South Indian caste groups (Dravidians). The haplotypes A33-B44 and A19-B35 were characteristic to Aryans while haplotypes A19-B22 and A19-B7 were characteristic to Dravidians. Further novel haplotypes such as A19-B14 and A33-B49 were unique to Parsis and Sourastran caste. A low frequency of A29 was observed among the A19 subtype repertoire. Prevalence of HLA A33 and A31 among North Indians (Aryans) and South Indians (Dravidians) along with their unique haplotypes may be a consequence of the founder effect, racial admixture or selection pressure due to environmental factors among this population.