Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) refers to a group of proteins that are found on the surface of certain cells in the human body. These proteins play a crucial role in the immune system, specifically in the recognition of self and non-self molecules. The HLA system is also known as the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in humans.
HLA proteins are encoded by a set of genes located on chromosome 6 and are expressed on the surface of different immune cells, such as white blood cells or leukocytes. These proteins help the immune system in identifying foreign substances, such as viruses, bacteria, or abnormal cells, and initiating an appropriate immune response against them.
The HLA system is highly diverse, characterized by a large number of different alleles. Each individual inherits a unique combination of HLA alleles from their parents, leading to significant variation in the HLA profile across individuals. This diversity is essential for the immune system to recognize and respond to a wide range of pathogens.
HLA typing is a fundamental component of medical genetics and transplantation medicine. It is used to determine the compatibility between a donor and a recipient in organ and tissue transplantation. Matching HLA types between the donor and recipient minimizes the risk of rejection of the transplanted tissue or organ.
Studying HLA genes and their association with diseases is also important in understanding the genetic basis of several autoimmune, inflammatory, and infectious diseases, as well as in predicting the response to certain drugs in personalized medicine.
