Association between HLA-DRB1 alleles and the sensitization to citrus red mite (Panonychus citri) / 천식및알레르기

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Recent investigations have demonstrated that citrus red mite (Panonychus citri, CRM) is an important allergen in the development of asthma in the rural population. The aim of this study was to investigate whether susceptibility or resistance to IgE responses to CRM was associated with HLA-DRB1 alleles. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Blood samples were obtained from two groups of unrelated Korean adolescents: 298 CRM-sensitive subjects and 99 age-matched non-atopic healthy controls. Sensitization to CRM was evaluated using skin-prick responses and serum specific IgE levels. Genotyping of HLA-DRB1 alleles was carried out using PCR-based methods. RESULTS: The frequency of DRB1*07 was significantly higher in the IgE responders to CRM (15.1%) than in the controls (3.0%), but the frequency of the other alleles was the same between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: HLA-DRB1*07 was significantly associated with sensitization to CRM, and may be a risk factor for the sensitization to this allergen.