Organização
Role of the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) proteins and their genetic variability in the susceptibility, pathophysiology and immunotherapy of immune-mediated diseases
Summary:
The proteins encoded within the Mayor Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) are expressed in a wide range of cells across the human body, taking their name as Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) from the cells from which they were first described. Their function of presenting self and non-self-derived peptides is of key importance in most of the known immune-mediated diseases and hypersensitivity reactions. Furthermore, certain HLA proteins have also been involved in the response to various immunotherapeutic drug use in certain pathologies such as those treated with anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies. The knowledge provided by the mechanisms of which HLA proteins are involved in the pathophysiology, the methodologies that Immunologists employ typing patients to ascertain the degree of susceptibility, risk of progression as well as the response to immunotherapy, brings up HLA once more time at the top of the most studied proteins and thus their counterpart region within the chromosome 6 in the human genome.
In this topic, we will discuss the main HLA and associated immune-mediated diseases, the role of HLA in the pathophysiology of the disease, the methodologies applied for HLA tissue typing, and the latest and most relevant immunotherapy approved to treat these diseases.
- Moderadores: Dra. Ana Reis (Palex) | Dra. Carolina Bourgard (Palex)