The Special Case of HLA Genes: Detection and Resolution of Multiple Polymorphic Sites in a Single Gene

摘要: The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) has been the most intensively studied region of human genome during past three decades (Bodmer 1995) and it also widely in other mammalian species, including primates (Trowsdale 1995). These studies suggest that MHC is probably area densely populated with functional genes. In humans, MHCis principally known as includes genes encoding leukocyte antigens (HLA), which playa crucial role regulating immune response health disease. HLA are polymorphic found humans and, since polymorphisms encode variants, this polymorphism results inter-individual variation response. As a result this, long recognised critical factor determining allograft acceptance rejection mechanisms both renal bone marrow transplantation (Opelz et al. 1993; Madrigal 1997b), while particular genotypes associated large number benign malignant immunologically mediated diseases (Thorsby 1997; Bateman Howell 1999). Although encodes immunological significance (e. g. tumour necrosis genes), chapter will focus solely upon so-called “classical” class I II antigens.