A to Z of MS
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A to Z of MS Human leukocyte antigen system (HLA)
The human leukocyte antigen system (HLA) is the general name of a group of genes which allow the immune system to distinguish between foreign invaders and the body's own tissue. In MS, this distinction does not occur and the immune system attacks myelin as if it were foreign.
Although the precise genes involved in the development of multiple sclerosis are not fully understood, research has identified one HLA gene that is more prevalent in women with MS and may be part of the explanation why more women than men get the condition.
References
Ramagopalan SV, et al.
Multiple sclerosis and the major histocompatibility complex.
Current Opinion in Neurology 2009;22(3):219-25.
abstract
Chao MJ, et al.
MHC transmission: Insights into gender bias in MS susceptibility.
Neurology 2011;76(3):242-6.
abstract
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