Generic human leukocyte antigen class II (DRB I and DQBI) alleles in patients with paracoccidioidomycosis

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class 11 alleles are involved in antigen processing and in the presentation of antigens to T lymphocytes. Few studies have investigated HLA genes in paracoccidioldomycosis. In the present investigation, we analyzed the distribution of the HLA class II alleles DRB1 and DQB1 in 45 healthy volunteers and in 80 patients with paracoccidioldomycosis. The patients presented with various clinical forms of the disease, and allele distribution was evaluated individually in each presentation type. In patients with the unifocal chronic form of the disease, a mild clinical presentation in which lesions are restricted or localized, the HLA allele most commonly seen was DRB1*11 (p < 0.039). This suggests that the participation of HLA antigens may influence the outcome of the host-parasite interaction in paracoccidioldomycosis, regulating the immune response to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis antigens.