虎贲生物医疗科技

HLA typing summary

HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) is the product expressed by the human Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), a group of genes. The molecules they encode participate in antigen presentation, regulate cell-to-cell recognition, and induce immune responses. HLA is divided into three major classes: classical HLA Class I (HLA-A, B, C), classical HLA Class II (HLA-DP, DQ, DR), and non-classical HLA. HLA genes represent the most diverse group of genes in humans. They exhibit extensive polymorphism among individuals to ensure broad adaptability and resistance of the human population to various pathogens. The inheritance and expression of HLA genes are related to virtually every aspect of our health.

Why do you see types like HLA-Cw4

Previously, we introduced the important role HLA plays in T-cell immunity. When we further investigate articles about HLA, we encounter multiple naming conventions. Some articles use HLA-A*01:01:01:01, the nomenclature we've already introduced. Other articles adopt naming conventions like HLA-Cw3 and HLA-Cw4. These latter naming conventions are temporary nomenclatures agreed upon by researchers when HLA typing was not yet so advanced. However, all naming conventions originate from the "International HLA Workshop."

DRB345 are they the same gene

The presentation system of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) and the specific recognition by T-cell receptors (TCR) constitute the core of T-cell immune mechanisms. HLA assembles peptide fragments formed from degraded proteins within cells and displays them on the cell surface for recognition by T cells and NK cells. "T cells make contact with the pHLA antigen-presenting complex formed by peptides and HLA through their TCR, and the affinity between the two determines T-cell outcomes including activation, anergy, or exhaustion. HLA-deficient cells are potentially targeted by NK cells, since these molecules serve as inhibitory ligands.