Question

1. What does HLA stand for? what is an HLA Phenotype?

2. How does HLA relate to MHC in immune physiology?

3. why is it important to understand the "HLA phenotypes" of the individuals in this case?

4. From what you know about the structure of an antibody, explain how an IgE can be "peanut specific".

5.One way to test for an allergy is to mix a specific allergen with basophils and mast cells from a patient and look for degranulation. what is occurring when these cells degranulate? How does this become a positive test for a specific allergy?

6. Why were the patients put on an Immunosuppressive therapy after their transplantation?

Answer 1

1. HLA stands for human leukocyte antigen. HLA phenotype of a person consists of the array of HLA-specific proteins, encoded by genes within the MHC, displayed on most of the cell surface of the body.

2. HLA is a gene complex that encodes for the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins in humans. MHC are cell surface protein which help in regulation of human immune system.

3. Understanding of HLA phenotype is important :

- in organ or stem cell transplant : to find a suitable donor to avoid immune responses which may lead to transplant failure.

- to diagnose many HLA specific diseases

4. IgE Antibodies bind only to one type of protein (allergen). This is due to presence of high affinity receptor in IgE. This accounts for the specificity of IgE