HLA patterns and disease associations

Abstract

The a priori biologic significance of the [human] histocompatibility complex with its excessive polymorphism remains unknown. Teleologically, the role of the HL-A system may be viewed as vital for survival of the species and the individual by providing the host with a recognition system of and defenses against viruses, microorganisms, parasites, plant antigens, neoplastic cells and other foreign antigens. HL-A testing, in addition to its usefulness in donor selection for transplantation, was recently applied to the diagnosis and differentiation of specific diseases, the predication of disease development (risk prediction), and as a basis for prognostic evaluations. An increasing number of diseases are linked by specific HL-A antigens and certain common denominators, such as arthritides, autoimmune components or infections, suggesting common etiologic or pathogenic mechanisms or both. Diseases with HL-A associations can be separated into those that appear certain, probable or only statistically possible.