HLA-A11

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HLA-A11 is a human leukocyte antigen (HLA) serotype within the HLA-A gene family. The HLA-A11 antigen is part of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules, which play a crucial role in the immune system by presenting peptides to cytotoxic T cells.

Structure

HLA-A11 is a heterodimer consisting of a heavy chain and a light chain. The heavy chain is encoded by the HLA-A gene located on chromosome 6, while the light chain is beta-2 microglobulin, which is encoded by a gene on chromosome 15. The heavy chain has a molecular weight of approximately 45 kDa and is anchored in the membrane of the cell.

Function

The primary function of HLA-A11 is to present endogenous peptides, typically derived from the degradation of intracellular proteins, to CD8+ T cells. This interaction is essential for the immune system to recognize and eliminate infected or malignant cells. HLA-A11 is involved in the immune response to various pathogens, including viruses and bacteria.

Alleles

There are several alleles of HLA-A11, each differing slightly in their peptide-binding properties. Some of the common alleles include HLA-A*1101, HLA-A*1102, and HLA-A*1103. These alleles can influence the immune response and are associated with different disease susceptibilities.

Disease Associations

HLA-A11 has been studied in relation to various diseases. Certain alleles of HLA-A11 are associated with an increased risk of developing conditions such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma, hepatitis B, and HIV progression. Conversely, some alleles may confer protection against specific diseases.

Population Distribution

The frequency of HLA-A11 varies among different populations. It is more prevalent in certain Asian populations, including Chinese and Southeast Asians, compared to European or African populations. This distribution can have implications for disease prevalence and organ transplantation compatibility.

Clinical Relevance

HLA-A11 typing is important in the context of organ transplantation, as matching donor and recipient HLA types can reduce the risk of graft rejection. Additionally, understanding the HLA-A11 status of individuals can provide insights into their susceptibility to certain diseases and their potential response to specific treatments.

See Also

• HLA-A
• HLA-B
• HLA-C
• Major histocompatibility complex
• CD8+ T cells
• Organ transplantation

External Links

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