Which HLA typing technology provides the most predictable results for a potentially novel allele?

The choice of sequencing-based typing (commonly referred to as SBT) as the most effective method for HLA typing, especially when dealing with potentially novel alleles, is founded on the technology’s inherent ability to provide detailed and accurate information about the HLA genes. SBT involves directly sequencing the DNA that encodes HLA molecules, allowing for precise identification of alleles based on their nucleotide sequences.

This method is particularly useful for identifying novel alleles because it reads the actual genetic material, which can highlight subtle variations in the DNA that may define a new allele. In contrast to other techniques, SBT does not rely on antibody interactions (like serology), electrophoretic patterns (as with SSCP), or PCR amplification with specific primers (as in ARMS SSP), which can be limited by existing knowledge of known alleles and their variations.

SBT's high resolution provides a comprehensive view of the genetic diversity within the HLA system, enabling the detection of rare or unexpected variants that could represent novel alleles. This precision makes it the preferred approach when characterizing complex or poorly defined sequences in HLA typing.