HLA (human leukocyte antigen)
Definition
Cell-surface glycoproteins encoded by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on chromosome 6p21. They present peptide antigens to T cells and are the primary targets of graft rejection responses. Their extreme polymorphism underpins their use as genetic markers in relationship testing.
Related terms
- Complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC)
- A serological HLA typing method in which test lymphocytes are incubated with HLA-specific antibody and then with complement. If the antibody binds,...
- HLA haplotype
- The specific combination of HLA alleles inherited as a block on one copy of chromosome 6. Because HLA loci are tightly linked,...
- Linkage disequilibrium
- The non-random association of alleles at different loci within a population. Certain HLA allele combinations (e.g., HLA-A1 with HLA-B8 with HLA-DR3) occur...
- Paternity index (PI)
- A likelihood ratio that compares the probability of the observed serological profile if the alleged father is the biological father to the...
- Sequence-specific primer PCR (SSP)
- A molecular HLA typing method that uses primer pairs designed to amplify only if a specific allele sequence is present. Results are...
Explained in
- The HLA System and Its Role in Forensic Relationship TestingCell-surface glycoproteins encoded by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on chromosome 6p21. They present peptide antigens to T cells and are the prima...