Genetic Polymorphism Of HLA-Cw Locus In Chinese Mainland Han Population And Three-dimensional Structures Modeling Of Its Coding Molecules

Undoubtedly, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex is the most complexity, polymorph -ism and diversity genetic system in human genome, and has been regarded as one of the focuses of the life science research field. Up to April 2006, 2429 alleles have been discovered and named, among which there are 238 alleles of HLA-Cw locus. Of classical class I genes, HLA-Cw has been recognized as the least polymorphic locus, whose antigens are expressed on cell surfaces at approximately 10%~20% of the level for HLA-A and -B antigens. This feature coupled with a lack of defining sera for several antigens, results in poor serological determination of HLA-Cw specificities and HLA-Cw locus antigens in 30% to 50% of individuals in every race undetectable. At present, although there is poorly knowledge about HLA-Cw locus, the recent studies have demonstrated that this locus has important biological functions, which not only correlates with organ and bone marrow transplantation but also correlates with many diseases, thus, HLA-Cw locus has been stirring up extensive interests in immunological and other relative research fields. Therefore, it makes great sense...