Det Multippel Histokompatibilitetskomplexet (MHC).
Hur påverkar mänskliga leukocytantigener val av partner?
Det stora histokompatibilitetskomplexet (MHC) hänvisar till avsnittet på kromosom 6 som innehåller hundratals gener (figur 1), inklusive de mänskliga leukocytantigen (HLA) generna. MHC kodar för proteiner på ytan av nukleerade celler, inklusive vita blodkroppar (därav namnet "mänskligt leukocytantigen"). MHC-proteiner fångar upp och presenterar främmande ämnen för dina T-celler. MHC är också ansvarigt för vävnads- och organskompatibilitet mellan människor, därav namnet "stort histokompatibilitet".
Figur 1. Kodominant uttryck av HLA-gener.
MHC-proteiner delas vanligtvis in i tre "klasser". MHC klass I-proteiner uttrycks på de flesta celler i kroppen och hjälper oss att bekämpa virusinfektioner. MHC klass I-proteiner inkluderar de som kodas av HLA-A, HLA-B och HLA-C. MHC klass II-proteiner uttrycks på immunceller såsom B-celler, aktiverade hjälpar T-celler, makrofager och dendritiska celler; dessa celler hjälper oss att bekämpa bakteriella infektioner genom att producera antikroppar. MHC klass II kodar för HLA-DR, HLA-DQ och HLA-DP. Det finns också MHC klass III-proteiner som stödjer våra immunceller.
Strukturen för varje klass av proteiner är olika - medan MHC klass II har 2 kedjor (A-kedja och B-kedja), har MHC klass I endast en enda stor kedja, kopplad med en makroglobulin. Därför, när man namnger MHC klass II proteiner, läggs ibland en extra komponent till för att specificera kedjan.
HLA Naming & Typing
The HLA 2010 naming convention is the one currently widely used to name MHC proteins and the HLA genes which encode for them. The convention identifies the HLA gene, allele group/allotype, specific protein, and any substitutions/mutations. Each of these fields is specified using a numeric value, assigned based on the order in which they are discovered. You can learn more about the 2010 HLA naming convention här. A database of all discovered HLA types to date can be found här.
It has been found that couples with very different HLA types and differences in their MHC genes tend to have more fulfilling relationships, what we at DNA Romance like to call "romantic chemistry", also known as genetic compatibility.
Vad är genetisk kompatibilitet?
Genetic compatibility refers to the match between the genes of two individuals, particularly with respect to their potential to have children together. Certain genetic combinations are more compatible and can result in healthier offspring.
One method is to test for genetic compatibility is the presence or absence of certain genetic markers, such as HLA (human leukocyte antigen) markers, which are involved in the immune system. Individuals with more dissimilar HLA profiles may be more genetically compatible, as this could result in a child with a more diverse immune system.
Another way to evaluate genetic compatibility is through genetic testing for inherited disorders. Couples who are considering having children may choose to undergo genetic testing to determine their risk of passing on certain inherited disorders to their offspring. This can help them make informed decisions about their fertility options and the potential risks and benefits of having children together.
It is important to note that genetic compatibility is not the only factor that determines the health and well-being of a child. Other factors, such as the overall health and lifestyle of the parents, can also have a significant impact on the health of a child.
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