NCIt synonyms : Human Leukocyte Antigen - DR Isotype; Human Leukocyte Antigen-DR Isotype;
NCIt related terms : HLA-DR;
NCIt definition : Encoded by multiple HLA-DRA and HLA-DRB genes in a complex variable 5 cM region of
MHC between HLA-B and -D, HLA-DR Antigens are Class II histocompatibility transmembrane
glycoprotein heterodimers of alpha (heavy, 35-kD) and beta (light, 27-kD) chains.
Located predominantly on B cells and macrophages, HLA-DR antigens function in antigen
presentation to regulatory T cells in the immune response and in self/nonself discrimination.
Invariant alpha and polymorphic beta chains have glycosylated N-termini, hydrophobic
membrane regions, and hydrophilic C-termini. The heterodimer consists of 4 extracellular
domains; invariant alpha-1, polymorphic N-terminal beta-1, and conserved Ig-like alpha-2
and beta-2. Alpha-1 and alpha-2 contain disulfide loops. Beta-1 contains 2 small variable
regions. Alpha sequences have relatively simple structure; beta chains carry the major
polymorphic determinants.;