A Review of Recent Advances in HLA and Tissue Typing

Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) are alloantigens which make up the major histo-compatibility complex in man. They are known to play major roles in the pathogenesis and development of cancer and some infectious diseases. They are also responsible for graft rejection. HLA testing has useful applications in forensic medicine, paternity testing and immuno-genetics. This review looks at recent advances in HLA and tissue typing. Biological methods, monoclonal antibody typing procedure, serology, flow cytometry and isoelectric focusing are discussed. It is concluded that molecular biological methods are the best in spite of the few limitations. Mary Slessor Journal of Medicine Vol.3(2) 2003: 5-1