This series of presentations is designed to provide information about the  Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) and Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) and their roles in transfusion and transplantation.

 

Basics of the HLA System

Presented by: Karen Pierce, BS,CHS(ABHI) Technical Specialist, Histocompatibility Laboratory, Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin

Level of instruction: BASIC

Contact hours: 0.5

This presentation will be focused on the HLA or Human Leukocyte Antigen system. You will be provided a broad overview of the immunology and genetics associated with the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) in humans.

From the material presented the participant will be able to:

1. Describe the genetics of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC)

2. Describe the nomenclature used for designating HLA antigens and alleles

3. Describe the physical structure, tissue distribution and function of the genes and their protein products of the three major classes (Class I, Class II & Class III) of the MHC

4. Define key concepts inherent to the HLA system (polymorphism, codominant expression, linkage disequilibrium, antigen frequency, cross reactivity)

5. From an analysis of the HLA typing of a family, determine (establish) the most probable haplotypes or genotype of its members

NextGen HLA Sequencing

Click here to access Dr Jenny Schiller's lecture on Next Generation Sequencing for HLA