HLA antigens

these are the human LEUCOCYTE antigens. There are four GENES responsible for their production (A,B,C,D), which are located on CHROMOSOME 6, which makes up the HLA system. One gene or set of genes is inherited from each parent and produce the HLA ANTIGENS on the surfaces of CELLS throughout the body. These antigens are the means by which the immune system recognizes 'self' and rejects 'non-self', and this is very important in organ TRANSPLANTATION . The closer the match of HLAS between donor and recipient, the greater the chances of success. If two individuals share identical HLA types, they are described as histocompatible.