HLA-Cw4

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

HLA-Cw4 is a specific allele of the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) system, which is a part of the immune system that helps the body distinguish between its own cells and foreign cells. The HLA system is crucial for the body's defense against pathogens and plays a significant role in transplantation medicine.

Function[edit | edit source]

HLA-Cw4, like other HLA alleles, is involved in the presentation of antigens to the T cells of the immune system. It binds to peptides derived from pathogens and presents them on the surface of cells. This allows T cells to recognize the infected cells and initiate an immune response.

Association with Diseases[edit | edit source]

HLA-Cw4 has been associated with several autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. It has also been linked to a higher risk of HIV progression. However, the exact mechanisms behind these associations are not fully understood and are the subject of ongoing research.

Genotyping[edit | edit source]

Genotyping for HLA-Cw4 is typically done using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. This can be important in the context of transplantation medicine, as matching the HLA types of the donor and recipient can reduce the risk of graft-versus-host disease.

See Also[edit | edit source]

‎ ‎


Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD