HLA-DQ8 and the HLA-DQ8-DR4 haplotype are positively associated with the hevein-specific IgE immune response in health care workers with latex allergy

Abstract

Background: Herein is one of the most important latex allergens affecting health care workers (HCWs). Objective: Because the genetically determined susceptibility is one important factor regulating type I allergy, the association between the hevein-specific IgE immune response and HLA class II alleles of DQB1 and DRB1, DRB3, DRB4, and DRB5 was studied. Methods: The distribution of HLA-DQB1 and DRB1, DRB3, DRB4, and DRB5 in 269 HCWs with latex allergy, 56 latex-sensitized patients with spina bifida (SB), and 90 nonatopic control subjects under special consideration for herein-specific IgE was examined. Results: Seventy percent (189/269) of the HCWs with latex allergy and 39% (22/56) of the latex-sensitized patients with SB had increased herein-specific IgE antibody concentrations (>0.35 kU/L). HLA data analysis revealed significantly increased phenotype frequencies for DQB1*0302 (DQ8; 91/189 [48%]) and DRB1*04 (DR4; 102/189 [54%]) in herein-positive HCWs with latex allergy compared with the 80 herein-negative HCWs with latex allergy (DQB1*0302: 16/80 [20%], corrected P value [Pc] = 7.1 × 10-4; DRB1*04: 23/80 [29%], Pc =. 01) and with control subjects (DQB1*0302: 16/89 [18%], Pc = 1 × 10-4; DRB1*04: 22/90 [24%], Pc = 3.2 × 10-4). The DQ8-DR4 haplotype frequency was significantly elevated in HCWs with herein-specific IgE antibodies when compared with that in HCWs without herein-specific IgE antibodies (47% vs 18%, Pc = 5.3 × 10-4) or control subjects (47% vs 18%, Pc = 9.6 × 10-4). In contrast, latex-sensitized patients with SB with hevein-specific IgE antibodies showed an increased but not significant DQB1*0302 frequency (7/22 [32%] vs 2/34 [6%], P =. 02, Pc = not significant) compared with that seen in those without herein-specific IgE antibodies. Conclusion: The DQB1*0302 (DQ8) alone, the DQB1*0302 (DQ8)-DRB1*04 (DR4) haplotype, or both are significantly involved in the hevein-specific IgE immune response in HCWs with latex allergy.