The Michigan Genomics Initiative (MGI) stands as a valuable resource accessible to all University of Michigan researchers and offers extensive genetic data for over 80K biobank participants. The integration of these genetic data with comprehensive electronic health records enables a diverse range of precision health-focused research.

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes are located in the major histocompatibility complex region of the human genome, play a crucial role in the regulation of immune function, and serve as key genetic markers that influence individual responses to medications and susceptibility to various diseases.  HLA alleles are specific variations of the HLA genes that are in some cases distinguished by differences in their amino acid sequences.

To enable immune function research, MGI now offers inferences of HLA gene alleles and amino acids for 80,529 genotyped MGI participants across genes HLA-A, -B, -C, -DQA1, -DQB1, -DRB1, -DPA1, and -DPB1. We infer HLA gene alleles and amino acids for each MGI participant using a state-of-the-art HLA reference panel made from multi-ethnic whole genome sequences of ~20,000 samples.

To access these data, please apply through our ticketing system (submit a “Custom Data Request”; in JIRA). You will need to submit an IRB application through IRBMED, which you can do in eResearch Regulatory Management. If you need further assistance, please contact the Research Scientific Facilitators at phdatahelp@umich.edu, who can guide you through the data request process. To learn more about the production and evaluation of HLA gene allele and amino acid inferences in the MGI cohort, please see the documentation.