Normal HLA class I, II, and MICA gene distribution in uveal melanoma

The molecules of the HLA class I and II molecules as well as the MHC class I chain-related gene A (MICA), a polymorphic and stress-induced cell surface molecule, are involved in T-cell and natural killer-cell (NK-cell) mediated immune responses. In this study we looked for any genetic susceptibility contributed by HLA class I, class II, or MICA genes with regard to the development of uveal melanoma. Between 1998 and 2001, 159 uveal melanoma patients were typed for HLA class I and II, and 168 uveal melanoma patients were evaluated for MICA by microsatellite typing. The HLA antigen and MICA allele frequencies were compared with control groups of, respectively, 2,440 and 247 healthy Dutch individuals. HLA class I, HLA class II, and MICA gene frequencies in uveal melanoma patients and healthy Dutch controls showed no significant deviations after correction for the number of comparisons. We conclude that there is no genetic susceptibility or increased risk attributed to any HLA class I, class II, and MICA polymorphism with regard to the development of uveal melanoma.