HLADRB11501

HLADRB1*15:01 is a specific allele of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II gene *DRB1, located on the short arm of chromosome 6. HLA genes play a critical role in the immune system by presenting antigens to T cells, facilitating the body’s response to pathogens and distinguishing self from non-self. The *DRB1* gene encodes the DR beta chain, a component of the HLA-DR molecule, which is essential for antigen presentation in the adaptive immune response.

The *DRB1*15:01 allele is one of the most common variants in populations of European ancestry, with frequencies varying across different ethnic groups. It is associated with several autoimmune diseases, making it a subject of extensive genetic research. Notably, *DRB1*15:01 is strongly linked to an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system. Studies suggest that individuals carrying this allele may have an altered immune response, contributing to the pathogenesis of MS.

Beyond MS, *DRB1*15:01 has also been investigated in relation to other autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes, though its role in these diseases is less definitive. The allele’s association with disease susceptibility is thought to stem from its influence on T cell activation and cytokine production, though the precise mechanisms remain an area of ongoing research.

Genetic testing for HLA alleles, including *DRB1*15:01, is primarily used in clinical settings for disease risk assessment, organ transplantation compatibility, and research into immune-related disorders. While the presence of *DRB1*15:01 does not definitively predict disease onset, it serves as a valuable biomarker for genetic predisposition and can inform personalized medical approaches. Further studies continue to explore its broader implications in immunology and disease susceptibility.