Exon 2, 3, and 4 polymorphism of HLA-DPA1

Currently HLA-DPB1 typing is mainly performed by using DNA techniques based upon the identification of exon 2 polymorphism. A direct sequencing approach has recently been described for HLA-DPB1. Cellular DP reactivity, however, may also be dependent on HLA-DPA1 polymorphism. Polymorphism of HLA-DPA1 exon 2 and exon 4 has recently been described. In contrast to previous reports all DPA1 alleles can be discriminated on the basis of exon 2 polymorphism.