DNA and Protein Studies of HLA Class II Molecules: Their Relationship to T Cell Recognition

Great advances have been made in our understanding of this region in recent years utilizing both the tools of molecular genetics and studies of protein encoded by HLA-D genes. A critical bridge that has not yet been completed concerns the relationship of class II genes and protein products to determinants recognized by T-lymphocytes, i.e. the cells responding in MLC. Although the emphasis in this review will be on studies of proteins and of DNA, an introduction to this article also includes the current state of knowledge regarding definition of class II products with I lymphocytes.