Eight single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the proximity of HLA-DQB1 were associated with HCC (P < 8.7 × 10<sup>-8</sup> ) in the genome-wide association study.
The AG/GG genotype of rs9275572 and HLA-DQB1 Block2 CCCCC haplotype may have protective effects in HBV-related HCC patients receiving hepatic resection.
In addition, the decreased mRNA expression of STAT4, HLA-DQA1, and HLA-DQB1 in HCC tissue might provide a clue to understanding their role in the progression to HCC.
DNA obtained from 141 Spanish patients with HCV infection (48 with alanine aminotransferase levels in the range considered to be normal, 47 with liver cirrhosis, and 46 with hepatocellular carcinomas [HCCs]) and from 116 control subjects were typed for HLA-B, HLA-DRB1, and HLA-DQB1 alleles, as well as for major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related gene A (MICA) transmembrane polymorphism.
Hepatitis C virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma and B-cell lymphoma patients show a different profile of major histocompatibility complex class II alleles.