HLA-B76

HLA-B76 is a human leukocyte antigen (HLA) serotype. The HLA system is a group of genes that are crucial for the function of the immune system. HLA-B76 is part of the HLA-B serotype group, which is one of the three major types of HLA class I molecules.

Function

HLA-B76, like other HLA class I molecules, plays a vital role in the immune system's defense against pathogens. It presents peptides derived from the interior of the cell to T cells, which are a type of white blood cell. If the T cells recognize the peptides as foreign (for example, if they are derived from a virus or bacteria), they will trigger an immune response.

Genetics

HLA-B76 is encoded by the HLA-B*76 allele group. This group contains many different alleles, each of which can produce a slightly different version of the HLA-B76 molecule. The exact number of HLA-B*76 alleles is not known, as new ones are still being discovered.

Clinical significance

Certain HLA-B*76 alleles have been associated with an increased risk of certain diseases. For example, HLA-B*7602 has been linked to a higher risk of ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis that affects the spine.

See also

• HLA-B
• Human leukocyte antigen
• Immune system
• T cell