Comment est réalisé un typage HLAÂ ?

The human leucocyte antigen (HLA) region, also known as the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), is located on the short arm of chromosome 6 in humans. It is the most diverse and polymorphic genetic system with major functional and medical implications and has been one of the most regarding fields of investigation in transplantation medicine and autoimmunity. Initially, genetic variations at these loci were analyzed by HLA serologic typing. The introduction of polymerase-chain reaction (PCR) in the mid 1980s made possible the analysis of the extensive allelic sequence diversity. After a short description of the HLA system and its nomenclature, the aim of this paper is to present a short review of our current knowledge of the molecular basis of HLA polymorphism and of all the HLA typing methods usually performed in routine.