What is the Origin of HLA Genotype?

The HLA system was first identified in the 1950s during studies of tissue rejection in transplantation, hence the name Human Leukocyte Antigen. The term genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, specifically the alleles inherited from both parents. The realization of the HLA system's role in autoimmunity, including endocrine pathology, established it as a key diagnostic and prognostic marker in clinical immunology and endocrinology.

What is the Mechanism of HLA Genotype?

HLA molecules present peptide fragments, derived from either self or foreign proteins, to T-lymphocytes, thereby initiating an immune response. In individuals with a susceptible HLA genotype, the immune system may mistakenly recognize fragments of endocrine gland proteins, such as those from the pancreatic beta cells or the thyroid gland, as foreign. This misrecognition triggers an autoimmune cascade that leads to the destruction of hormone-producing cells, resulting in endocrine failure.

HLA Genotype ∞ Area

HLA Genotype

Meaning

HLA Genotype refers to the specific combination of alleles an individual possesses for the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) genes, which encode the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) proteins on the surface of most cells. These proteins are fundamental to the immune system’s ability to distinguish self from non-self and are crucial in the context of autoimmune endocrine disorders. The HLA system’s extreme polymorphism dictates an individual’s susceptibility to various hormone-related autoimmune conditions, such as Type 1 Diabetes and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.