HLA-DOA Human
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) is a set of cell surface proteins essential for the acquired immune system to recognize foreign molecules. Among the various classes of MHC molecules, MHC Class II molecules play a crucial role in the immune response by presenting extracellularly derived peptides to T cells. One of the components of MHC Class II is the DO Alpha chain, which is encoded by the HLA-DOA gene in humans.
MHC Class II molecules are heterodimers consisting of an alpha (α) and a beta (β) chain. The DO Alpha chain pairs with the DO Beta chain to form the HLA-DO molecule. This molecule is primarily expressed in antigen-presenting cells such as B cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages .
The primary function of MHC Class II molecules is to present antigenic peptides to CD4+ T cells. This process is essential for initiating the immune response against pathogens. The DO Alpha chain, in particular, plays a regulatory role in the antigen presentation process. It modulates the peptide loading of other MHC Class II molecules, thereby influencing the repertoire of peptides presented to T cells .
The HLA-DOA gene, located on chromosome 6, encodes the DO Alpha chain. This gene is part of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex, which is highly polymorphic and plays a critical role in the immune system. The HLA-DOA gene consists of multiple exons that encode different domains of the DO Alpha protein, including the leader peptide, extracellular domains, transmembrane domain, and cytoplasmic tail .
Human recombinant MHC Class II DO Alpha is produced using recombinant DNA technology. This involves cloning the HLA-DOA gene into an expression vector, which is then introduced into a suitable host cell line. The host cells express the DO Alpha protein, which can be purified and used for various research and therapeutic applications. Recombinant DO Alpha is valuable for studying the molecular mechanisms of antigen presentation and for developing immunotherapies .
Mutations or polymorphisms in the HLA-DOA gene can affect the function of the DO Alpha chain and, consequently, the immune response. Such genetic variations have been associated with autoimmune diseases and other immune-related disorders. Understanding the role of DO Alpha in antigen presentation can provide insights into the pathogenesis of these diseases and aid in the development of targeted therapies .
