HLA class II histocompatibility antigen, DRB1 beta chain (HLA-DRB1*15:01) (HLA-DRB1*15:01)

HLA-DRB1*15:01 is a specific allele of the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class II histocompatibility antigen, DRB1 beta chain. It forms a heterodimer with the HLA-DRA alpha chain to create the HLA-DR15 (specifically DR2b) molecule, which is expressed on the surface of professional antigen-presenting cells [4, 6]. Its primary biological function is to present exogenous peptides to CD4+ T cells, thereby initiating and regulating adaptive immune responses [4, 11]. This specific allele is the most significant genetic risk factor for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), where it is thought to present self-antigens, such as myelin basic protein, to autoreactive T cells [3, 7, 15]. Beyond MS, it is associated with other autoimmune conditions, including Goodpasture syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus [1, 7]. Therapeutic strategies targeting this molecule include the use of small molecule inhibitors, such as PV-3212, or peptide mimics like glatiramer acetate to competitively block the peptide-binding groove [2, 3, 10]. Additionally, the presence of this allele serves as a biomarker for disease susceptibility and can influence the efficacy and safety profiles of various immunomodulatory treatments [8, 13, 17].

Other names

DRB1*15:01HLA-DR15DR2bMHC class II antigen DRB1*1501HLA-DRB1*1501

Competitive inhibition of the MHC class II peptide-binding groove to prevent the presentation of pathogenic autoantigens to T cells and subsequent activation of autoreactive CD4+ T cells [2, 3, 7].