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HLA Binding

Meaning

HLA binding, or Human Leukocyte Antigen binding, describes the specific molecular interaction where short peptide fragments, derived from intracellular or extracellular proteins, physically associate with the binding groove of HLA molecules. These major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins are found on the surface of most nucleated cells and are crucial for presenting antigens to T lymphocytes, initiating the adaptive immune response. The efficiency and specificity of this binding are determinants of immunological recognition and are highly relevant in autoimmune diseases and transplantation medicine.