HLA: The Major Histocompatibility Complex of Man
Abstract
Survival depends on the immune system's ability to recognize a multitude of foreign substances (antigens) and to respond to them, Although this defense mechanism is basic to survival in a hostile world of microorganisms, this same defense system becomes a major obstacle when attempting to transplant tissues from one individual to another or when malfunction of immune recognition triggers autoaggressive reactions. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes encode proteins that are essential to this immune recognition. Products of the MHC have been grouped into three classes on the basis of structure, genetic origin, and function: Class I, Class II, and Class III. The human Class I molecules include HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C; Class II molecules include HLA-DR, HLA-DQ, and HLA-DP; Class III molecules include the MHC-linked complement components (C2, C4, and BF), 21-hydroxylase (210H), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA233333
Entities
People
- Armead H. Johnson
- Carolyn K. Hurley
- Chester A. Alper
- Edmond J. Yunis
- Robert J. Hartzman
Organizations
- Naval Medical Research Center