Associative relationship between atopy, HLA complex genes and other genes

Abstract

This review presents current data on the associative relationships of genes of the major histocompatibility complex (HLA) and other genes with atopy. Despite the long history of studying the role of HLA class genes in atopy and the introduction of modern technologies and methods, many unresolved issues remain, including the difficulties caused by the heterogeneity of the human population, the complex structure and disequilibrium of linkage between different HLA genes. Although phenotypic heterogeneity is considered as the main limitation in understanding the genetic determinants of atopy, only a few studies have examined the relationships of its typical clinical manifestations induced by aeroallergens with certain HLA genes. The identified molecular mechanisms and genetic characteristics open up the possibility of using new therapeutic targets and modifying existing drugs.