human leukocyte antigen
HLA. One of a group of proteins found on the surface of white blood cells and other cells that play an important part in the body's immune response to foreign substances. These antigens vary from person to person, and an HLA test is done before organ transplantation to find out if tissues match between a donor and a recipient. Also called human lymphocyte antigen. | ||||
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Human leukocyte antigen definition was found in categories: Medicine(3) Encyclopedia(1)
Human leukocyte antigen Definition from Medicine Dictionaries & Glossaries
| Aids Glossary |
human leukocyte antigen
a genetic marker of "self" which prevents the immune system from attacking the body's own tissues. Various HLA patterns are associated with (HLA)
a genetic marker of "self" which prevents the immune system from attacking the body's own tissues. Various HLA patterns are associated with (HLA)
| HIV Vaccine Glossary |
HLA
two major classes of molecules on cell surfaces.
two major classes of molecules on cell surfaces.
| Diabetes Glossary |
HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen)
A pattern of cell surface proteins that identifies the cell to the immune system as 'self' or 'non-self'. Certain patterns (haplotypes) as defined by DNA analysis can indicate a susceptibility to Type 1 diabetes.
A pattern of cell surface proteins that identifies the cell to the immune system as 'self' or 'non-self'. Certain patterns (haplotypes) as defined by DNA analysis can indicate a susceptibility to Type 1 diabetes.
Human leukocyte antigen Definition from Encyclopedia Dictionaries & Glossaries
| Wikipedia English - The Free Encyclopedia |
Human leukocyte antigen
The human leukocyte antigen system (HLA) is the name of the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC). This group of genes resides on chromosome 6, and encodes cell-surface antigen-presenting proteins and many other genes.
The major HLA antigens are essential elements in immune function:
- Different classes have different functions
- Class I antigens (A, B & C) - Present antigens that invade cells therefore aid in destroying the invaded cells
- Class II antigens (DR, DP, & DQ) - Present antigens so that T-lymphocytes (T-cells) can determine if they should help antigen specific B-cells make more antibody to that antigen.
- In disease defense
- In reproduction - may be involved in mate selection.
- In cancer - May be protective or fail to protect.
- Agents of human disease:
- In autoimmunity - known to mediate many autoimmune diseases.
- As antigens - responsible for organ transplant rejection.
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