HLA molecules are critical components of the immune system, which mediates the specific destruction of infected cells and production of antibodies. HLA class I molecules are expressed on all nucleated cells. Class I molecules contain two non-covalently bound polypeptide chains, being the polymorphic alpha chain is encoded by the HLA gene within the MHC region. They present endogenous peptides, including those derived from intracellular pathogens such as viruses, to cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes. This recognition stimulates the T lymphocyte to kill the target cell. In turn, the expression of class II molecules is limited to cells of specialized function in immunity, collectively known as professional antigen presenting cells, including primarily dendritic cells, macrophages, and mature B lymphocytes. The HLA class II molecules are heterodimers composed of an alpha and beta chain, both encoded by genes within the MHC. These molecules function to present peptides of extracellular origin, such as endocytosed foreign proteins to CD4+ T lymphocytes. The purpose of this research is to examine the association of HLA variation with infection. Here, we highlight two major infectious disease groups and its immunogenetic analysis: SARS-CoV2 and CMV.

1. HLA variation and CMV serostatus in healthy individuals
2. Immunogenetics of COVID-19
3. Immunogenetics of emerging pathogens