Definition of DRw10 by restriction fragment length polymorphism.

To better define the presence of the DRw10 haplotype which has sometimes proved difficult to type by using serologic reagents, Southern blot analysis was performed on seven DRw10 heterozygous individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Using the restriction enzymes Taq I or BamH I, the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) pattern for the DRw10 haplotype was clearly distinguishable from that of other DR alleles. Digestion with Taq I revealed a unique DR beta/Taq I 12.20 fragment. A characteristic DR beta/Taq I 4.60 fragment was also present only in DRw10 and DR1 haplotypes. Digestion with the restriction enzyme BamH I revealed a DR beta/BamH I 5.07 fragment also present in DRw10 and DR1 haplotypes, and a DR beta/BamH I 4.30 fragment shared with the DRw52 and DR2 haplotypes but not found in DR1 haplotypes. The pattern was readily distinguished from those given by the haplotypes DR4, 7 and w9. Family studies of five individuals demonstrated appropriate segregation of the restriction fragments. In particular, segregation of DRw10 haplotypes from DR1 haplotypes was clearly shown in a family in which the DRw10 haplotype was associated with rheumatoid arthritis in two individuals. Southern blot analysis proved to be a useful alternative method for identifying the DRw10 allele in certain combinations where this allele has been difficult to define serologically.