IMGT HLA database

IMGT HLA database provides a curated repository of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) gene and allele sequences for immunogenetics research, including sequences linked to the 6p21.3 region on human chromosome 6.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive sequence collection: Contains an extensive set of HLA gene and allele sequences covering multiple loci and polymorphisms.
• Curation and quality control: Entries are highly curated with stringent quality control measures to ensure sequence accuracy.
• Standardized nomenclature: Allele naming follows oversight by the WHO Nomenclature Committee for Factors of the HLA System to ensure consistent names.
• Regular updates: The database incorporates new discoveries and confirmatory sequence data through periodic updates.
• Consortium maintenance: Content is maintained in collaboration with the HLA Informatics Group and the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI).

Scientific Applications:

• Basic immunology studies: Enables analysis of HLA sequence variation to study immune system function and antigen presentation.
• Transplant compatibility: Supports HLA typing and allele reference for donor–recipient matching in transplantation.
• Disease association studies: Provides reference sequences for investigating links between HLA alleles and disease susceptibility.
• Personalized medicine: Informs genotype-based investigations of individual immune response and therapeutic stratification.

Methodology:

Sequence entries are curated and quality-controlled with standardized allele naming overseen by the WHO Nomenclature Committee for Factors of the HLA System, and updated with new and confirmatory sequence data.