Publisher's Synopsis
This publication covers the recent veritable explosion in knowledge regarding the genetic organization, structure, and function of the HLA class II region. It deals with the nature of diversity of HLA class II alleles, the molecular basis of this diversity, and the mechanisms by which HLA class II expression is regulated. Also addressed is the relationship of class II polymorphism to susceptibility to autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, and pemphigus vulgaris. The book presents information on allele specific oligonucleotide (ASO) probes and their use in identifying susceptible individuals. It includes chapters which describe how cells transfected with HLA class II genes can be used for functional analysis. An appendix representing a compilation of all the known DR?? DQ?, DQ? sequences is included. This serves as an excellent source of comparison of newly derived sequences. This publication provides information on the enormous progress in the HLA field. It is intended for both the established investigator and the beginner.
