Background of the antigen
Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules form an integral part of the immune response system. They are cell-surface receptors that bind peptides and present them to T lymphocytes. Human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) are polymorphic members of the MHC family that are specifically involved in the presentation of antigens to the T cell receptor. There are two classes of HLA antigens: class I (HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-C) and class II (HLA-D). Class I molecules are expressed in nearly all cells and play a central role in the immune system by presenting peptides derived from the endoplasmic reticulum. The differential structural properties of MHC class I and class II molecules account for their respective roles in activating different populations of T lymphocytes. HLA-B encodes a membrane anchored heavy chain which hetero-dimerizes with a light chain (∫-2-Microglobulin) to form MHC-I. Polymorphisms yield hundreds of HLA-B alleles. The HLA-B27 allele appears with increased frequency in uveitis patients.
