HLA class-II allele frequencies in Turkish breast cancer patients

Abstract

Class-II human leukocyte antigens (HLA) present tumor antigenic peptides on the cell surface in order to be recognized by T lymphocytes. Thereby, these molecules can play an important role in the immune response to breast cancer tumor antigens. The aim of this study was to determine the relation between breast cancer and HLA class-II alleles in Turkey. The study groups consisted of 69 breast cancer patients and 45 healthy controls. Typing of HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 from DNA samples was performed by Sequence Specific Oligonucletide Hybridisation. Significant negative correlations were observed between HLA-DRB1 03 and HLA-DQB1 02 alleles and breast cancer (p1 = 0.019; p2 = 0.019) and also between HLA-DQB1 02 allele and postmenopausal breast cancer (P = 0.022) and c-erb-B2 positivity (P = 0.038). Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between HLA-DRB1 13 and HLA-DQB1 06 alleles and progesteron receptor positivity (p1 = 0.012; p2 = 0.001); and a significant negative correlation between HLA-DQB1 03 allele and progesteron receptor positivity (P = 0.009) in breast cancer. Additionally, another significant positive correlation was seen between HLA-DRB1 04 allele and c-erb-B2 positivity (P = 0.036). As a result, while HLA-DRB1 03, HLA-DQB1 02, HLA-DRB1 13, and HLA-DQB1 06 alleles were found to be involved in protectiveness against breast cancer and good prognosis; HLA-DQB1 03 and HLA-DRB1 04 alleles were found to be involved in poor prognosis. In conclusion, by determining allele types showing predisposition to breast cancer, a systematical screening and follow up systems can be developed for patients who are at high risk.