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.
Little
A M
AM
Anthony Nolan Research Institute, The Royal Free Hospital, London, UK. little@rfhsm.ac.uk
Parham
P
P
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