  |
|||
|
|
|
||
|
Posted by Elaine Moore Mar 18, 2006 |
HLA antigens are also related to our susceptibility to develop certain autoimmune diseases. A positive HLAB27 result in someone with mild arthritic symptoms or a family history of ankylosing spodylitis indicates an increased risk for developing this disorder. A negative result rules out the possibility of ankylosing spondylitis.
HLA markers are seen in about 20 percent of the population. Researchers believe that they're associated with a heightened immune response, which offers protection from infection. It's suspected that these genes developed as a survival mechanism offering a selective advantage during human evolution.