A review of major histocompatibility complex-disease associations in man and dog

The organization and biology of the Major Histocompatibility Complexes (MHC) of man (HLA) and dog (DLA) are reviewed, and a summary is presented of laboratory techniques used to define allotypes. The nomenclature of this field and the mechanisms of disease association with the MHC are discussed. Currently recognized HLA-disease associations are enumerated, with emphasis on the value of the complement C4 marker. DLA-disease association studies into autoimmune disease, allergy and neoplasia are reviewed.