HLA class I and II in black children with hepatitis B virus-associated membranous nephropathy

Background. The pathogenetic mechanisms by which individuals with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection develop membranous nephropathy (MN) are probably dependent on interactions between viral, host and environmental factors; some evidence suggests a genetic predisposition. HBVMN constitutes a major etiological group in black children with nephrotic syndrome. We therefore explored the HLA associations in black children with HBVMN. Method. Thirty black children, age range 2 to 16 years, with biopsy-proven HBVMN, were the subjects of the study. HBV status was determined using third generation ELISA. HLA A, B and C antigens were determined using a two-stage lymphocytotoxic test. HLA DRB1* and DQB1* typing was done using sequence-specific primers. HLA class 1 and IIantigen frequencies of the study subjects were compared to controls that were randomly chosen healthy blood donors from the same population. Results. HLA DQB1*0603 was increased in patients with HBVMN compared to controls (chi(2) = 13.65, RR = 4.3). DRB1*07 and DQB1*02 were increased in frequency in the study subjects but failed to reach statistical significance. There was no significant difference in the frequencies of class 1 antigens in the study group compared to controls. Conclusion. To our knowledge, this is the first report of HLA associations in black patients with HBVMN in whom Class 1 and 11 antigens were determined using molecular methodology. There was a high frequency of DQB1*0603 in subjects compared to controls, suggesting a possible genetic predisposition to the development of HBVMN.