Genetics and molecular genetics of the MHC.

Abstract

The MHC is a well-characterised region of the human genome, containing a high diversity of genes and an apparent clustering of genes involved in the immune response. The genomic sequence of an 8 Mb section, containing the MHC and flanking regions and covering over 300 genes, will soon be available. Since this is a highly polymorphic region, the molecular genetics of the MHC and its relationship with disease have been studied in considerable detail.