What is HLA?
HLA stands for ” Human Leukocyte Antigens”. HLA antigens are molecules produced by the HLA genes. HLA molecules are expressed on the surface of white blood cells to coordinate the immune response. DR and DQ are two different types of HLA molecules. HLA genes are very important systems to keep the immune system in check. The HLA molecules are very particular in that different individuals generally carry different HLA “subtypes” (for example DR1, DR2, subtypes of HLA-DR; DQ1, DQB1*0602, subtypes of HLA-DQ). The fact HLA molecules are slightly different from one individual to another makes our immune system slightly different from each other.
Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) are ‘markers’ on the white blood cells. These antigens are inherited characteristics, just as is the color of one’s eyes and hair or skin. In a tissue transplant, the closer the match in HLA type between the donor and the recipient, the greater the chance that the transplant will be successful. Due to these genetic factors, patients have the best chance of finding a donor who is the same racial background.
HLA stands for human leukocyte antigens. HLA markers are proteins found on most cells in your body. Your immune system uses these proteins — or markers — to recognize which cells belong in your body and which do not. If an allogeneic transplant (which uses cells from a family member, unrelated donor or cord blood unit) is a treatment option, your doctor will take a blood sample to test for your HLA type. Your doctor will search for a donor or cord blood unit with an HLA type that closely matches yours.
Human Leukocyte Antigens are the human form of MHC and are proteins located on the surface of white blood cells and other tissues in the body. HLA antigens play an important role in the immune system’s defense against invaders such as bacteria, viruses and parasites. In transplantation, when the donor’s HLA is different from the recipient’s, the immune system of the recipient will recognize the donor’s HLA antigens as foreign. This causes rejection of the transplanted tissue or organ.
HLA stands for human leukocyte antigen, a group of proteins present on the surface of all cells on the human body. Each individual carries a particular combination of proteins in the HLA set. There are different types of HLA — A, B, C, DP, DQ and DR. We all have 2 HLA molecules of each type, inherited from either parent. Therefore, the final HLA combination serves as a molecular identifier for an individual. The immune system of the body uses the HLA combination to identify each cell in the body as their own. When foreign cells in the form of organ or marrow transplants are placed inside an individual s body, a mismatched HLA is recognized and the body may reject these cells or organs. The HLA sets of the donor and the recipient must be as close a match as possible for a successful transplant. Matching of HLA -A, B, C and DR are recommended for a succesful bone marrow or stem cell transplant. This minimizes the risk of transplant rejection and its associated complications.
