Polymorphism and evolution of HLA class I and II genes and molecules.
Genes in the HLA complex, the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC), encode polymorphic HLA class I and II molecules that help T lymphocytes recognise and respond to foreign antigens. Certain HLA class I allotypes also regulate the response of natural killer cells. HLA class I and II molecules with little or no polymorphism contribute a variety of functions to the immune response, as do class I molecules coded by genes outside of the HLA region. Knowledge of the organisation of HLA class I and II genes, of the nucleotide sequences of their alleles, and the three-dimensional structures of their protein products, has facilitated analysis of the evolution and polymorphism of HLA class I and II genes and molecules. In turn, these analyses have provided insight into the mechanisms and selective forces driving change in the HLA complex.
Anthony Nolan Research Institute, The Royal Free Hospital, London, UK. little@rfhsm.ac.uk
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D005805:Genes, MHC Class I; D005802:Genes, MHC Class II; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000235:genetics*; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic
D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II