Characterization of an HLA-DR ? pseudogene in the DRw52 supertypic group

Abstract
The nature of the DR β II pseudogene in a haplo-type of the DRw52 supertypic group was investigated by nucleotide sequence analysis. It revealed several deleterious mutations in the signal sequence and second domain regions in addition to the complete absence of the first domain and adjacent sequences. No expression of DR βII pseudogene mRNA can be detected. The same DR βII pseudogene is probably present in other members of the DRw52 supertypic group. The pattern of mutations in this DR βII pseudogene is different from that observed in the DR β pseudogene of the DRw53 supertypic group, indicating a distinct evolutionary pathway for these two groups of DR haplotypes.