Molecular diversity of HLA‐A*19 group of alleles in south Indian population

Abstract

To determine the genetic diversity of the human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-A*19 group of alleles in the south Indian Tamil population, we studied 100 random healthy unrelated individuals. The frequency of HLA-A*19 was 37% with A*33 (45.9%), A*32 (29.7%), A*31 (16.2%), A*30 (5.4%), A*29 (2.7%) and A*74 (0%). The frequency distribution of the HLA-A*19 alleles was distinct and revealed marked similarities and variations with other populations.

HLA analysis of Sri Lankan Sinhalese predicts North Indian origin

“…As with the differences in the HLA‐A‐*02 subtypes and B alleles, further differences were seen between the Sinhalese and other Dravidian ethnic groups with regard to other HLA‐A alleles (Thomas et al ., 2004, 2006). For instance, in Tamil Nadu, South India, HLA‐A*32 was seen among 29.7% individuals and HLA‐A*31 in 16.2% (Vettriselvi et al ., 2006). However, HLA‐A*32 was not seen and A*31 was seen at a very low frequency (7%) in the Sinhalese population.…”

“…The populations that inhabited early Indian civilizations have been divided into the Aryans and the Dravidians. However, because of repeated invasions, the Dravidians had been driven to South India (Vettriselvi et al ., 2006). Based on the limited data of HLA types of various ethnic groups in India and also because of the preponderance of the HLA‐A*0211 subtype among the Sinhalese population, it appears to be more likely that the Sinhalese have originated from the Aryans rather than the Dravidians.…”