Are HLA DQB1 alleles correlated with breast cancer histopronostic parameters in Tunisia?

BACKGROUND: Tumor cells express surface structures different from normal cells. These structures may be recognized by the immune system, which ensure anti-tumoral surveillance. Antigenic presentation requires HLA molecules role. Since, these molecules are encoded by a high polymorphic system, immune response can be modulated according to HLA genotype. So, HLA polymorphism could be correlated with tumor escape from anti-tumor immunosurveillance. AIM: We have aimed to search for possible associations between HLA DQB1 alleles and the histoprognostical parameters in breast cancer in the Tunisian population. METHODS: DQB1 alleles were determined by PCR-SSO molecular typing in 100 healthy matched and unrelated Tunisian female and 87 Tunisian women with breast cancer. RESULTS: Allelic distribution between the two studied groups showed no significant associations between this locus and the occurrence, the EE grade and the lymph node invasion of breast cancer in the Tunisian population. CONCLUSION: This result may be explained by the fact that cancer is a multifactoral disease due to several interacting factors that might change from one population to another.

HLA class II polymorphism: protective or risk factors to breast cancer in Tunisia?

HLA system plays a key role in the tumor cells' escape from immune surveillance. Herein is the first report on the correlation of the susceptibility to breast cancer with HLA class II markers in Tunisia. Molecular typing of HLA-DRB1 and -DQB1 loci was undertaken for 70 Tunisian female patients. Comparison of allele and haplotype distribution between patients and 70 female control subjects reveals a negative association between HLADRB1* 07-DQB1*02 and the incidence of breast cancer in the Tunisian population.