HLAmäärittelyllä

HLAmäärittelyllä refers to the process of determining an individual's Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) type. HLA molecules are proteins found on the surface of most cells in the body and play a crucial role in the immune system's ability to distinguish between self and non-self. They are essential for identifying and responding to foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses.

The HLA system is highly polymorphic, meaning there are many different variations (alleles) of HLA genes within the population. This genetic diversity is what allows the immune system to recognize a wide range of pathogens. HLAmäärittelyllä involves testing a person's DNA to identify which specific HLA alleles they possess. This is commonly done through molecular techniques such as PCR-SSP (polymerase chain reaction sequence-specific primers) or next-generation sequencing.

The primary clinical application of HLAmäärittelyllä is in organ and stem cell transplantation. For a transplant to be successful and to minimize the risk of rejection, the HLA types of the donor and recipient must be as closely matched as possible. Significant mismatches can trigger a strong immune response from the recipient against the transplanted organ or cells. HLAmäärittelyllä is also used in the diagnosis and management of certain autoimmune diseases, as some HLA types are associated with an increased risk of developing specific conditions. Additionally, it plays a role in forensic science for identification purposes.