What is the HLA system?
Quick Answer
The HLA system is a group of genes that help the immune system recognize what belongs to the body and what does not. HLA proteins sit on cell surfaces and present antigen fragments.
The Full Story
HLA stands for human leukocyte antigen, the human version of the major histocompatibility complex. These genes encode proteins that display fragments of proteins to immune cells, helping the body detect infections and abnormal cells. HLA diversity is extremely high, which improves population-level immunity but makes organ matching more complicated. HLA matching is important in transplants and is also linked to susceptibility to certain diseases.
Key Facts
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"The identity tags on your cells that help stop disease"
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