Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G molecule, a non-classical HLA-Ib molecule, is less polymorphic when compared to classical HLA class I molecules. Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) was first detected on cytotrophoblast cells at the feto-maternal interface but its expression is prevalent during viral infections and several autoimmune diseases. HLA-G gene is characterized by polymorphisms at the 3'...

Polymorphic Alu insertions (POALINs) are known to contribute to the strong polymorphic nature of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC). Previous population studies on MHC POALINs were limited to only Australian Caucasians and Japanese. Here, we report on the individual insertion frequency of the five POALINs within the MHC class I region, their HLA-A and -B associations, and the three and ...

The purpose of the present study was to investigate polymorphism of HLA class II haplotypic associations (HLA-DRB1, -DQA1, -DQB1) and DQCAR alleles in 78 Croatian patients with psoriasis. Patients were divided into two groups according to a family history of disease and age of onset: type I (positive family history and early onset) and type II (negative family history and late onset). The diffe...

Background: The HLA class I gene family is composed of a group of genes whose products encode cell surface glycoproteins of MW 40–45 kDa, associated non-covalently with the beta-2-microglobulin light chain. They include the three polymorphic molecules HLA-A, -B, and -C, which are ubiquitously expressed and which are able to present intracellular peptides to cytotoxic T cells. Three additional c...

Pemphigus are blistering autoimmune diseases related with genetic and environmental factors. Here we describe HLA genotyping in pemphigus patients. First, we review the HLA class I/II data on pemphigus reported in Brazilian samples and then present the HLA class I (-A, -B, -C) and class II (-DRB1, -DQA1, -DQB1) alleles related to susceptibility/resistance to pemphigus by comparing 86 patients w...

OBJECTIVES To analyze association of different HLA genotypes for predisposition to type-I autoimmune hepatitis in Western India. METHODS This study was undertaken on patients of type-I autoimmune hepatitis (defined by international criteria by IAHG, 1999). HLA genotyping for class I and II was done in 20 patients of autoimmune hepatitis and 100 healthy controls. Statistics were done using Hal...

Background: Fibroblasts are mesenchymal cells that can be readily cultured in the laboratory and play a significant role in epithelialmesenchymal interactions, secreting various growth factors and cytokines that have a direct effect on epidermal proliferation, differentiation and formation of extracellular matrix. They have been incorporated into various tissue-engineered and used for a variety...

The alloreactive human T cell clone MBM15 was found to exhibit dual specificity recognizing both an antigen in the context of the HLA class I A2 molecule and an antigen in the context of the HLA class II DR1. We demonstrated that the dual reactivity that was mediated via a single clonal T cell population depended on specific peptide binding. For complete recognition of the HLA-A2-restricted spe...

Classical, polymorphic major histocompatibility complex class I molecules are expressed on most nucleated cells. They present peptides at the cell surface and, thus, enable the immune system to scan peptides for their antigenicity. The function of the other, nonclassical class I molecules in man is controversial. HLA-G which has been shown by transfection experiments to be expressed at the cell...

PURPOSE To investigate the presence of Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) in organ cultured corneas, in lyophilised epikeratophakia lenticules prepared by dry state lathing, and in lenticules subjected to prolonged rehydration in Balanced Salt Solution (BSS). METHODS Twelve lenticules and 3 organ cultured corneas were studied for the presence of HLA-ABC (class I), and HLA-DR, -DQ, and -DP (class ...