HLA Informatics Group
Encyclopedia
The HLA Informatics Group (HIG) is a research group at the Anthony Nolan Research Institute that develops, runs and maintains the IMGT (immunogenetics
)/HLA (Human leukocyte antigen
) Database and the IPD (immuno polymorphism
database). The IMGT/HLA Database is a central repository for sequences of the human major histocompatibility complex
and currently contains over 5,000 allele
sequences, including over 1,800 HLA-B
sequences. The group is led by Prof. Steven GE Marsh.
As well as sequence information, the IMGT/HLA Database and the IPD Databases include extensive information regarding the source material that sequences are derived from.
Immunogenetics
Immunogenetics is the branch of medical research that explores the relationship between the immune system and genetics.Autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, are complex genetic traits which result from defects in the immune system. Identification of genes defining the immune defects may...
)/HLA (Human leukocyte antigen
Human leukocyte antigen
The human leukocyte antigen system is the name of the major histocompatibility complex in humans. The super locus contains a large number of genes related to immune system function in humans. This group of genes resides on chromosome 6, and encodes cell-surface antigen-presenting proteins and...
) Database and the IPD (immuno polymorphism
Polymorphism (biology)
Polymorphism in biology occurs when two or more clearly different phenotypes exist in the same population of a species — in other words, the occurrence of more than one form or morph...
database). The IMGT/HLA Database is a central repository for sequences of the human major histocompatibility complex
Major histocompatibility complex
Major histocompatibility complex is a cell surface molecule encoded by a large gene family in all vertebrates. MHC molecules mediate interactions of leukocytes, also called white blood cells , which are immune cells, with other leukocytes or body cells...
and currently contains over 5,000 allele
Allele
An allele is one of two or more forms of a gene or a genetic locus . "Allel" is an abbreviation of allelomorph. Sometimes, different alleles can result in different observable phenotypic traits, such as different pigmentation...
sequences, including over 1,800 HLA-B
HLA-B
HLA-B is a human gene that provides instructions for making a protein that plays a critical role in the immune system. HLA-B is part of a family of genes called the human leukocyte antigen complex...
sequences. The group is led by Prof. Steven GE Marsh.
As well as sequence information, the IMGT/HLA Database and the IPD Databases include extensive information regarding the source material that sequences are derived from.