This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Major histocompatibility complex

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

The major histocompatibility complex antigens are involved in the presentation of previously internalised antigen to T cells. The genes of the human major histocompatibility complex are located on the short arm of chromosome 6. They are otherwise refered to as human leucocyte antigen, or HLA.

  • cell surface proteins classified as class I (also termed human leucocytic antigen [HLA] A, B and C), found on all nucleated cells and class II (termed HLA, DP, DQ and DR), found on all antigen presenting cells (APCs)

Their importance increases daily as more research is performed. Also HLA associations are often the subject for stems of a multiple choice question for professional exams. However, for the practising doctor their importance lies in:

  • the association between particular genotypes and disease
  • their role in rejection in transplantation

Related pages

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.