Major histocompatibility complex genes in a Mexican family with deficiency of the second component of the complement system.

ABSTRACT

Hereditary deficiency of the second component of the complement system is an uncommon condition that has been reported so far mostly in Caucasians. We describe a Mexican patient with undetectable C2 levels and absence of complement hemolytic activity. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes in his family showed that the proband had the MHC haplotypes HLA-A25, B18, DR2, DQ1, SQ042/HLA-A24, B18, DR2, DQ1, SQ042. A strong genetic linkage of the deficiency of the second component of the complement gene and the HLA antigens A25, B18, and DR2, is well established in Caucasian populations. This suggests that the probable origin of the deficiency in our patient was admixture with Caucasian ancestors.