HLA: a review of actual knowledge and perspectives in periodontology

The Major Histocompatibility Complex is a relatively poorly explored research area among the various immunological aspects of periodontal diseases. After a recall of general concepts, the authors first describe the general HLA-pathology association and then, the reported HLA-periodontal disease associations. HLA theoretical potential interests are multiple. Typing results show, on one hand, no clear correlation with juvenile periodontitis (diminution of A 2, augmentation of A 9, A 28, Bw 15 and Bw 35) but on the other hand, a more constant correlation between HLA A 9 and rapidly progressive periodontitis. Besides, three resistance factors have been reported: A 10, B 5 and A 28.