MHC proteins supports self versus non-self recognition in coordination with T Cell Receptor proteins. It could be so easy, but it is not: The MHC genes display the greatest degree of polymorphism in the human genome.
On chromosome 6 there are 6 different HLA genes:
- HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-C belong to MHC class I, which can be found on all nucleated cells in the body.
- HLA-DR, HLA-DQ and HLA-DP belong to class II and can be found in addition on certain immune cells.
Each of them coming with a huge allele diversity. HLA-B for example has more than 3000 different allele subtypes. And now take into consideration that each individual has 2 alleles - donor differences reaches a new dimension.
HLA status has a high impact on research areas like tumor immunology. When considering cancer immunotherapies, like adoptive T-cell transfer, it must be proven upfront that the T-cells will not attack healthy tissue or will have any other cytotoxic effects and cross-reactions.
HLA typed cells and tissues can also be used in exploring disease mechanisms for example in autoimmune disorders. The HLA status can predict diseases like Arthritis, Type I diabetes (HLA-DRB1*04:01) or Multiple Sclerosis (HLA-DRB1*15:01). It can have an impact on disease progression as well, like in case of HIV.
In drug development the HLA type plays a role in immunogenicity, hypersensitivity or even non-response of the patient to a specific drug due to the patient’s HLA status.
How to handle this situation? Well, test and focus is a good way.
And the fact that HLA A2*01 is the most prevalent MHC class I allele family in humans however helps to focus. Most Therapies are developed for patients with this HLA status.
At the moment we have HLA data available for many lots of fresh bone marrow and bone marrow cells, as well as different blood cell types and liver cells. More to come! Just get in touch with us at scientific.support@lonza.com to discuss your needs.
Written by Isabella
Scientific Support Specialist
