"Silent" alleles at the HLA-C locus

J Immunol. 1978 Aug;121(2):731-5.

Abstract

Defined specificities of the HLA-C locus possess a significantly lower immunogenicity as compared with the HLA-A and HLA-B specificities. HLA-C "blanks" are not immunogenic at all. Among the possible explanations, the most likely one appears to be a low phenotypic expression of these alleles. C locus antigens as a whole are thus likely to be of minor relevance in donor/recipient matching for transplantation.

MeSH terms

  • Alleles*
  • Chromosome Mapping*
  • Epitopes
  • HLA Antigens / genetics*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Epitopes
  • HLA Antigens