A comparison of HLA genotype with inflammation in uveal melanoma

Abstract

Purpose HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) polymorphisms have been associated with the development of autoimmune diseases. In uveal melanoma, a high expression of HLA class I and II and infiltration with lymphocytes and macrophages are associated with a bad prognosis, and Natural Killer cells are thought to play a role in the killing of metastasizing cells. The goal of this study is to determine whether specific HLA alleles are associated with increased inflammation. Methods Records were analyzed of 45 patients who underwent enucleation for uveal melanoma. HLA typing, tumor HLA expression and tumor macrophage infiltration were determined in each case. Results Before correction for multiple testing, macrophage infiltration was less in HLA‐A2 positive patients. Patients with HLA‐DR6 had a higher tumor cell expression of HLA‐DR. After correction for the number of analyses, no associations remained statistically significant. Conclusion The results before correction suggest that the HLA genotype may influence inflammation as indicated by HLA expression and macrophage infiltration in uveal melanoma. Comparing HLA expression with the genetic presence of specific HLA alleles is a new approach to obtain insight into the role of the immune system in uveal melanoma.