HLA-B : major histocompatibility complex, class I, B
The HLA-B Gene: A Vital Player in the Immune System
Description
The HLA-B gene holds the blueprint for creating a protein crucial to the human immune system. This gene belongs to the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex, which acts as a guardian, distinguishing the body‘s own proteins from foreign invaders like viruses and bacteria.
Associated Diseases
Variations in the HLA-B gene have been linked to an increased risk of certain autoimmune diseases, such as:
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Psoriasis
- Type 1 diabetes
- Crohn‘s disease
Did you Know ?
There are hundreds of known variations, or alleles, of the HLA-B gene, each with a unique number designation. One specific allele, HLA-B27, is particularly common in individuals with ankylosing spondylitis, affecting approximately 85% of patients.
