Human factor B Complete cDNA sequence of the BF ∗S allele

Abstract

The gene of human complement factor B (BF) is located within the class III region of the major histocompatibility complex. The knowledge of the coding sequence of the BF gene rests on a set of partial sequence studies reported by various sources, and full-length sequences ascribed to specific alleles of this polymorphic complement component have not yet been published. Now, we have isolated and sequenced a collection of cDNA clones derived from BF ∗S , the major BF allele. We present an uninterrupted, allele-specific sequence of the entire coding region and the 3′ untranslated segment of the cDNA. Extensive comparison of this and previously available sequence data was carried out, and a number of base substitutions were observed in relation to some of the earlier sequences. The possibility that these differences arise from polymorphism in the BF gene is discussed.