MHC typing

[Terriator]

I have an assigment, where I'm asked to mention 3 types of MHC typing.. I'm not completely sure what's meant by "MHC typing"?

[DrP]

I typed "MHC Typing" into google because I've never heard of it. It seems to be something to do with gene labeling. Give the google search a try - I'm sure you'll find what your looking for there better than I.

[jimmydasaint]

I think this is a start:

 

Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)

 

In humans, the proteins coded by the genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) include human leukocyte antigens (HLA), as well as other proteins. HLA proteins are present on the surface of most of the body's cells and are important in helping the immune system distinguish "self" from "non-self" molecules, cells, and other objects.

 

The function and importance of MHC is best understood in the context of a basic understanding of the function of the immune system. The immune system is responsible for distinguishing foreign proteins and other antigens, primarily with the goal of eliminating foreign organisms and other invaders that can result in disease. There are several levels of defense characterized by the various stages and types of immune response.

 

Present on chromosome 6, the major histocompatibility complex consists of more than 70 genes, classified into class I, II, and III MHC. There are multiple alleles, or forms, of each HLA gene. These alleles are expressed as proteins on the surface of various cells in a co-dominant manner. This diversity is important in maintaining an effective system of specific immunity. Altogether, the MHC genes span a region that is four million base pairs in length. Although this is a large region, 99% of the time these closely linked genes are transmitted to the next generation as a unit of MHC alleles on each chromosome 6. This unit is called a haplotype.

 

http://http://www.bookrags.com/research/major-histocompatibility-complex-mh-wmi/

 

I have found you two genetic methods - one is restriction fragment length polymorphisms much beloved by Medical Geneticists

http://http://ps.fass.org/cgi/reprint/80/8/1109.pdf

 

and the other is PCR using oligonucleotide primers

http://http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/gte.2005.9.93

 

I would guess that you would be also required to give a serological method (using antibodies). Good luck

Edited December 5, 2008 by jimmydasaint

[MedGen]

MHC typing is effectively characterising the relevant genotype or phenotype of a patients MHC at 6p21. It's very important for a) understanding anything about the immunology of an individual b) matching donor and recipient for organ/tissue transplants. Not to mention the applications in medical research for understanding the genetics and molecular mechanisms of autoimmunity.

 

RFLP's are the simplest by far, the alternative (and one the we'll no doubt see as clinically routine in the not-too-distant future) is to sequence that region of the MHC and genotype them that way. Alternatively you can interrogate the region with SNP chips and pick out the individual genotypes that are relevant. I'm not sure how they seriologically type HLA alleles, but I'm guessing its done with a) standard histology or b)immunohistochemical staining, c) in vitro assay.

 

The HLA locus is probably one of the most important genomic regions as far as an immunologist is concerned.

[profescher]

Some of the above replies are excellent and i will there fore not explain but tell you of an excellent text book thath covers this: Immunology by Male, Brostoff and Roitt. It should have everything you need in it.

 

Major histocompatability molecules have large roles in immunology and are inherited from parents, the greater difference in the two parents MHC molecules, the greater protection conferred to the offspring. I am just mentioing this as recently a report stated that MHC molecules can affect our choice of partner, isn't that interesting?