human leucocite antigen

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Human leukocyte antigens (HLA) are a group of cell surface proteins that help the immune system tell the difference between the body's own healthy cells and foreign invaders like viruses or bacteria. Controlled by genes on chromosome 6, HLA typing is vital for matching donors and patients for safe organ and bone marrow transplants. 

Classes of HLA Molecules

Class I (HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C): Found on nearly all cell types; present internal peptides to CD8+ cytotoxic T cells to flag infected or cancerous cells. 
Class II (HLA-DP, HLA-DQ, HLA-DR): Found mainly on specialized immune cells; present external peptides to CD4+ helper T cells to coordinate immune responses. 
Class III: Encodes various components of the complement system and inflammatory cytokines
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Medical Importance

Transplantation: Doctors use blood or cheek swab tests via the NMDP to find full or partial HLA matches, lowering rejection and graft-versus-host disease risks. 
Disease Association: Specific HLA alleles link to autoimmune disorders, such as HLA-B27 with ankylosing spondylitis or HLA-DR genes with rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes. 

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  Wikipedia

  Human leukocyte antigen - Wikipedia

  Functions. The proteins encoded by HLAs are those on the outer part of body cells that are (in effect) unique to that person. The ...

  
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  NMDP

  What is HLA? HLA Basics, Typing & Matching​ Overview​ | NMDP​

  HLA typing can help doctors match blood stem cell donors with patients. There are three types of matches: * **Full match** When a ...

  
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  Merck Manuals

  Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) System - Allergy and Immunology

  Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) System * The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system (the major histocompatibility complex [MHC] in hum...

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