On the future of HLA

Abstract

As the immunobiological function of the HLA (human leucocyte antigen) class I and II molecules was revealed, we have seen an explosive development of the HLA field. Today, the HLA complex occupies a central position in basic and clinical immunology. In this Opinion article, I will briefly discuss some challenges which in my opinion are more important than others in the near future of HLA, with a focus on products of the classical HLA class I and II genes. Matching for HLA antigens will continue to be of importance in organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantations. In the latter field, induction of graft-versus-leukemia effects will receive greater attention, where HLA will play a central role. It is anticipated that we will see an extensive development in our knowledge of the etiology and pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, where some HLA class I and II genes by far are the strongest predisposing genes. To predict and prevent autoimmune diseases will be a major challenge for the HLA field in the future. HLA will also be of increasing importance in pharmacogenomics, vaccinations and anthropology. Together, this will leave the HLA field with many new challenges and opportunities, which in the future will require more focus on functional aspects of the immunogenetics of HLA.

H2-Eb1 expression is upregulated in the nasal mucosa of pateints with allergic rhinitis

“…to stimulate B lymphocyte transform into IgE secreting plasma cells, accompanied with a decrease in Th1 type cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12). 6,[25][26][27] In our study, we confirmed that, accompanied with the AR symptoms, OVA induced a Thl/Th2 imbalance and led to a Th2 dominant immune response with increased cytokine IL-4 levels, and a decrease of IFN-γ and IL-2 ( Figure 2). The differentiation of naive T-helper (Th) cells towards Th2 or Th1 is decided by the transcription factors GATA-3/Tbet.…”

HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1 in Celiac disease predisposition: practical implications of the HLA molecular typing

“…HLA class I and class II genes map on the short arm of the chromosome 6 (6p21.3) and code for cell surface glycoproteins important in the antigen presentation and self-recognition by immune cells [32,33]. HLA class I heterodimers are constituted by an alpha-heavy chain, encoded by HLA-A , B or C loci, and by a small beta2-microglobulin molecule whose gene maps on chromosome 15.…”

Protective Human Leucocyte Antigen Haplotype, HLA-DRB1*01-B*14, against Chronic Chagas Disease in Bolivia

“…Many autoimmune diseases are reported to be associated with specific HLA-class II alleles [35]. Auto-reactive processes that involve the activation of cytokine producing T-cells may occur during infection.…”