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A glutamic acid at residue 69 (Glu 69) in the HLA-DPB1 gene (Glu 69) is associated with chronic beryllium disease (CBD) and possibly beryllium sensitization (BeS). This study tested the hypothesis that MHC class II polymorphisms are important in susceptibility to BeS and CBD and that the Glu 69 variant is related to markers of disease severity. Genomic DNA was obtained from BeS (n= 50), CBD (n= 104), and beryllium-exposed nondiseased (Be-nondiseased)(n= 125) subjects. HLA-DPB1,-DRB1, and-DQB1 genotypes were determined by (sequence-specific primers) PCR. Disease severity was assessed by pulmonary function and exercise testing. A higher frequency of the DPB1 Glu 69 gene was found in CBD and BeS compared with the Be-nondiseased subjects, with odds ratios of 10.1 for CBD vs Be-nondiseased and 9.5 for BeS vs Be-nondiseased. The majority of BeS and CBD subjects displayed non-0201 …