KIR gene in ethnic and Mestizo populations from Mexico

Hum Immunol. 2006 Jan-Feb;67(1-2):85-93. doi: 10.1016/j.humimm.2005.11.007. Epub 2006 Mar 30.

Abstract

Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors are characterized by their great diversity of genes and alleles. Population studies have identified the presence of a broad variety of genotypes. In Mexico, there are diverse ethnic groups representing 9% of the total population and the rest is composed of Mestizos with a more varied biology. For the purpose of this study, genotyping was performed in Mestizos, in Mexico City inhabitants, and in three ethnic groups. The frequencies of genes KIR2DL2, 2DL5, 2DS1-3, 2DS5, and 3DS1 showed a greater variability in the groups studied. A total of 12 different genotypes were identified, the higher number for the Mestizos and the lower number for the Tarahumaras. Genotype 1 was found at a greater frequency in all the groups, except for the Tarahumaras, in which genotype 4 was more frequent. The frequency of genotypes 4 and 8 in Mexicans was higher than that for other populations analyzed. By subtyping of KIR3DL1, 3DL2, 2DL1, and 2DL3, two B haplotypes were identified in families; both were absent in Caucasian families. Our results indicated a greater diversity of genes in the Mestizos group than in the ethnic groups.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • American Indian or Alaska Native / genetics*
  • Ethnicity / genetics*
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genetic Variation
  • Genotype
  • Haplotypes
  • Humans
  • Linkage Disequilibrium
  • Mexico / ethnology
  • Population / genetics
  • Receptors, Immunologic / genetics*
  • Receptors, KIR
  • Receptors, KIR2DL1
  • Receptors, KIR2DL2
  • Receptors, KIR2DL3
  • Receptors, KIR3DL1
  • Receptors, KIR3DL2
  • Receptors, KIR3DS1

Substances

  • KIR2DL2 protein, human
  • KIR3DL1 protein, human
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Receptors, KIR
  • Receptors, KIR2DL1
  • Receptors, KIR2DL2
  • Receptors, KIR2DL3
  • Receptors, KIR3DL1
  • Receptors, KIR3DL2
  • Receptors, KIR3DS1