This series of presentations is designed to provide information about the  Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) and Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) and their roles in transfusion and transplantation.

To access the presentations, users will need:

  • A computer with an Internet connection.
  •  Google Chrome  (RECOMMENDED), Safari, Internet Explorer 9.x or higher, Firefox 2.x or higher,or any other W3C standards compliant browser.
  • Adobe Flash Player 10 or higher and/or an HTML5 capable browser may be required for video or audio playback.
  •  Speakers/headphones are required to access the audio portion of the presentations. If your computer does not have audio capabilities, atranscript is avaiable
  •  Adobe Reader 9 or higher

Basics of the HLA System

Self enrolment

Presented by: Karen Pierce, BS,CHS(ABHI) Technical Specialist, Histocompatability Laboratory, BloodCenter of Wisconsin

Level of instruction: BASIC

Contact hours: 0.5

This presentation will be focused on the HLA or Human Leukocyte Antigen system. You will be provided a broad overview of the immunology and genetics associated with the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) in humans.

From the material presented the participant will be able to:

1. Describe the genetics of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC)

2. Describe the nomenclature used for designating HLA antigens and alleles

3. Describe the physical structure, tissue distribution and function of the genes and their protein products of the three major classes (Class I, Class II & Class III) of the MHC

4. Define key concepts inherent to the HLA system (polymorphism, codominant expression, linkage disequilibrium, antigen frequency, crossreactivity)

5. From an analysis of the HLA typing of a family, determine (establish) the most probable haplotypes or genotype of its members