HLA-DRB1 the notorious gene in the mosaic of autoimmunity

María Teresa Arango, Carlo Perricone, Shaye Kivity, Enrica Cipriano, Fulvia Ceccarelli, Guido Valesini, Yehuda Shoenfeld

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch Articlepeer-review

96 Scopus citations

Abstract

The major histocompatibility complex system is the most polymorphic gene cluster of the mammal genome. In humans, this is a genomic locus known as the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system. The HLA encodes mostly immune-associated proteins whose main effect is the presentation of antigens to the immune cells. Thus, it is clear that it is essential for to the proper function of the immune response against pathogens and strongly implicated in the development of autoimmune diseases. Nonetheless, there are hundreds of polymorphisms of HLA-DRB1 which have been associated with different autoimmune disorders as well as with immune response to infection and vaccines. It is possible that the interaction of specific HLA with pathogenic antigens is one of the keys favoring (or protecting) toward the development of an autoimmune disease. In the era of personalized medicine, it would be of great help to build a map of the genomic risk of each individual to evaluate the risk of developing an autoimmune condition.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)82-98
Number of pages17
JournalImmunologic Research
Volume65
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2017

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Immunology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'HLA-DRB1 the notorious gene in the mosaic of autoimmunity'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this