Human leukocyte antigen complex

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The Human Leukocyte Antigen complex or HLA complex is a group of proteins that "helps the immune system distinguish the body's own proteins from proteins made by foreign invaders such as viruses and bacteria".[1][2] It is the human version of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), which is also found in certain non-human species.[1]

Autoimmune disease[edit | edit source]

HLA associations in the genes of patients are considered to be a classic indicator that is a disease is autoimmune disease in nature.[3]

ME/CFS[edit | edit source]

A number of different studies by Mella et al. in Norway have found associations between HLA genes and ME/CFS patients meeting the Canadian Consensus Criteria, suggesting ME/CFS may be an autoimmune illness.[3]

See also[edit | edit source]

Learn more[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 "Genetics". MedlinePlus. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
  2. "Definition of HUMAN LEUKOCYTE ANTIGEN". Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Hajdarevic, Riad; Lande, Asgeir; Rekeland, Ingrid; Rydland, Anne; Strand, Elin B.; Sosa, DaisyD.; Creary, Lisa E; Mella, Olav; Egeland, Torstein (November 1, 2021). "Fine mapping of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) suggests involvement of both HLA class I and class II loci". Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. 98: 101–109. doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2021.08.219. ISSN 0889-1591.