Human leukocyte antigen specificities

Family history of RA. Genetic studies demonstrate a strong correlation between RA and the presence of major histocompatibility complex class II human leukocyte antigens (HLA), specifically HLA-DR1 and HLA-DR4.4,5 HLA is a molecule associated with the presentation of antigens to T lymphocytes. 

Initial studies using this system have proved encouraging. The altered virus (without associated monoclonal antibody) failed to infect a wide variety of human cell lines. By initially incubating with monoclonal antibody of the appropriate specificity, however, the viral particles were capable of efficiently transducing cells expressing surface receptors such as CD4, CD33 and human leukocyte antigen. 

A recent example of an anticancer antibody in development that functions via apoptosis is 1D09C3, a HuCAL-derived antibody specific for human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR [111, 112], which is highly expressed in B and T cell lymphomas. At the time of writing, this antibody is about to enter clinical trials for B cell lymphomas. The antibody causes cell killing selectively in activated tumor cells without the need for exogenous effector cells, via a mechanism that is caspase independent. 

For type 1 DM, the concordance rate for identical twins is only 25—50% and environmental influences must have an important role. Type 1 DM involves an autoimmune attack on the pancreatic /3 cells. Antibodies to islet cell antigens are detected in up to 80% of patients with type 1 DM shortly after diagnosis or even prior to the onset of clinical disease. Type 1 DM is associated with specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles, especially at the B and DR loci, and the HLA complex is known to play critical roles in the immune response. However, the trigger for the immune response remains unknown. In about 10% of new cases of type 1 DM, there is no evidence of autoimmune insulitis. The ADA and the World Health Organization (WHO) therefore subdivide this disease into autoimmune (lA) and idiopathic (IB) subtypes. 

Surcel H, Ilonen J, Poikonen K, Herva E. Francisella tularensis-specific T-cell clones are human leukocyte antigen class II restricted, secrete interleukin-2 and gamma interferon, and induce immunoglobulin production. Infect Immun. 1989 57 2906-2908. 

Monshi MM, Eaulkner L, Gibson A, Jenkins RE, Farrell J, Eamshaw CJ, Alfirevic A, Cederbrant K, Daly AK, French N, Pirmohamed M, Park BK, Naisbitt DJ (2011) Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B 57 01-restricted activation of drug-specific T cells provides the immunological basis for flucloxacillin-induced liver injury. Hepatology 57, 727-39. 

The rheumatologist may perform routine blood tests such as a complete blood count, kidney function tests, liver function tests (LFTs), and blood chemistry. Sometimes these blood tests can provide helpful information but not always. Most often, the rheumatologist will do blood tests that assist with identifying specific diseases. They include the tests for the human leukocyte antigen, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, the uric acid level, the antinuclear antibody, the level of c-reactive protein, the... 

Tissue type is determined hy molecules on the surface of every cell in the body. These molecules are called human leukocyte antigens (HLA) or the major histocompatibility complex (Petersdorfet et al. 1998 Villard 2006). Each person has unique HLAs. The HL As on the cells of the transplant signal to the body that this tissue is foreign, when a person receives a transplant, and stimulate an immune response. The recipient s blood usually is screened for antibodies against the tissues of the specific potential donor. If these antibodies are present severe rejection is expected, and transplantation will not be performed in these cases (Matas and Schnitzler 2004 Talbot and Manas 1997). 

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