The HLA system and genetic control of the cellular immune response
Jeannet, M.
Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift 116(43): 1464-1466
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-7672 PMID: 3466341 Document Number: 275738
The HLA system or major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is implicated in the rejection of organ grafts, but its fundamental biologic function is to ensure an adequate immune response to infectious agents. Recent findings indicate that the MHC also contributes to the control of hematopoiesis and of other biological processes such as cell differentiation and oncogenesis. The associations frequently observed between certain HLA antigens and autoimmune diseases can probably be explained by abnormal function of the corresponding MHC genes, but other genes also appear to be involved.