Human leukocyte antigen B*27:20 (HLA-B*27:20)

HLA-B*27:20 is a specific allele of the Human Leukocyte Antigen B (HLA-B) gene, which encodes a Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Class I molecule. It plays a fundamental role in the immune system by presenting endogenous peptides to CD8+ T cells, facilitating the recognition of infected or malignant cells. This allele is a subtype of the HLA-B27 serotype, which is highly associated with a group of inflammatory diseases known as spondyloarthropathies, most notably ankylosing spondylitis. The association is believed to stem from the molecule's unique peptide-binding properties or its tendency to misfold, triggering an inflammatory response. Although HLA-B*27:20 is not a direct target for any currently approved drugs, it is a vital biomarker for diagnosing and managing spondyloarthritis. Therapeutic strategies for patients carrying this allele typically involve inhibitors of TNF-alpha, IL-17, or JAK pathways to mitigate the chronic inflammation associated with the target's presence.

Other names

MHC class I antigen B*27:20HLA-B27:20B*27:20HLA-B*2720Major histocompatibility complex, class I, B*27:20

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