Definition – What is the HLA?
In medicine, the abbreviation HLA stands for Human Leukocyte Antigen. The HLA are a group of molecules consisting of a protein portion and a carbohydrate portion. Therefore they are called glycoprotein.
The HLA are found on the surface of every single body cell and also on the surfaces of other organisms and pathogens. The genes that code for the synthesis of HLA are highly variable. Therefore, the HLA also shows a high variability from person to person.
This enables the immune system to distinguish between the body’s own cells and foreign cells. Thus, the success of organ transplants is related to the HLA. The HLA have several groups with various subgroups, which can be found in different cell types of the body.
The occurrence of some HLAs is associated with increased probability of disease. Which factors are also important in organ transplantation. This and much more can be found under: Organ transplants – What you should pay attention to
Indications for HLA determination
The determination of the HLA can be done for several reasons. Very often the transplantation of organs is an indication. The success of a transplantation depends largely on how similar the antigens of organ donor and recipient are.
The higher the similarity in the structure of the glycoprotein, the higher the probability that the transplantation will be successful in the course of time. In order to prevent the waste of valuable organ donations, the HLA is always determined. The donation of stem cells is a special form of organ donation.
However, the compatibility of the antigens is essential for success here as well. For this reason, a rough determination is made when typing the donors. If a donor is shortlisted, the HLA is determined in detail.
HLA also plays an important role in the development of certain diseases. This concerns the group of autoimmune diseases, which are often caused by the body’s own processes. Thus, for example, diseases of the rheumatic form frequently occur in the presence of HLA-B 27.
Also the so-called celiac disease, which is accompanied by an intolerance of gluten, can be influenced by the HLA in its development. Some drug intolerances are also caused by some HLA. You can read the listed diseases in detail on the following pages:
- Rheumatism
- Coeliac condition – What is behind it
- Stem cell donation – What should one pay attention to?
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