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The human leukocyte antigen complex and chronic ocular inflammatory disorders
1Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201, USA. daveym@ohsu.edu
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|February 22, 2000
Summary
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene products are crucial for immune function and can be linked to chronic ocular inflammatory diseases. Their role in T-cell development and peptide presentation may contribute to autoimmunity and disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex plays a critical role in immune system regulation.
- Specific HLA alleles are frequently associated with chronic ocular inflammatory diseases.
- Understanding normal HLA function offers insights into disease mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the function of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene products.
- To explore their role in normal immune function, ocular inflammation, and autoimmunity models.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific reports.
Main Results:
- HLA molecules shape the developing T-cell repertoire, ensuring self-tolerance.
- In the periphery, HLA molecules present peptides to T cells, mediating effector functions.
- Pathologic T-cell responses can arise from peptide-HLA interactions, as seen in autoimmunity models.
- Herpes stromal keratitis models illustrate the interplay of self-tolerance, infection, and molecular mimicry.
Conclusions:
- HLA gene products may drive chronic inflammatory disorders.
- This can occur through presenting disease-inducing peptides or fostering autoreactive T-cell repertoires.
- Molecular mimicry is a potential mechanism linking HLA to autoimmunity.