Genetics HLA: the major human histocompatibility system.

Journal article

The HLA system was first defined as a cell surface genetic polymorphism with the aim of using it for transplantation matching. The originally defined specificities of the system, usually identified by a microcytotoxicity assay on peripheral blood lymphocytes, are controlled by the alleles of three closely linked loci HLA-A, B and C. These loci are highly polymorphic with at least 19 A alleles, 26 B alleles and 5 C alleles defined. There is extensive cross reaction amongst the determinants controlled by each locus, though not usually between loci. Skin or kidney grafts exchanged between HLA-A, B and C identical sibs survive much longer than those between unmatched sibs showing that the HLA system is indeed a histocompatibility system. The mixed lymphocyte culture reaction has been shown to be controlled by a series of alleles at a fourth locus, closely linked to A, B and C, the HLA-D locus. Eight alleles have been identified at this locus by use of the mixed lymphocyte culture reaction as a typing procedure. The H-2 system is the mouse equivalent of HLA. The HLA system, and other similar systems in other species, are remarkable examples of complex gene clusters containing several hundreds, and possibly even a few thousand, gene loci. Such gene clusters of which other well known examples are the haemoglobin and immunoglobulin genes, seem to be a characteristic feature of higher organism genetic organization. It is commonly assumed that such clusters have arisen by a series of duplication events.

Authors: Bodmer, W; Jones, E; Barnstable, C; Bodmer, J

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Containing papers of a Biological character. Royal Society (Great Britain)
• Volume: 202
• Issue: 1146
• Pages: 93-116
• Publication date: 1978-06-01
• DOI: 10.1098/rspb.1978.0059
• EISSN: 1471-2954
• ISSN: 0080-4649
• Language: English
• Keywords: Gene Frequency; Chromosomes, Human, 13-15; Genes, MHC Class II; Pedigree; Chromosomes, Human, 6-12 and X; Isoantigens; beta 2-Microglobulin; HLA Antigens; Genes; Isoantibodies; Genetic Linkage; Humans; B-Lymphocytes; Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed