MGC108235 antibody, DRB1 antibody, DRw10 antibody, HLA-DR1B antibody, HLA-DRB antibody, SS1 antibody, major histocompatibility complex, class II, DR beta 1 antibody, hla-drb1 antibody, HLA-DRB1 antibody
Background
HLA-DRB1, a HLA class II beta chain paralog, is a heterodimer membrane anchored α (DRA) and β chain (DRB). It plays an imporant role in extracellular protein-derived peptide presentation. It is expressed by antigen presenting cells (APC) such as B cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages. The β chain (composed of β1 and β2) is 26-28 kD and contains polymorphisms allowing for variability in peptide binding specificities. DRB1 is expressed by all individuals and its expression is five fold higher than DRB chains 3, 4, or 5. The peptide binding groove can accommodate peptides 10-30 residues long. Thirty-three different sub-types of HLA-DRB1*04 have been described. Of these, HLA-DRB1*04 is associated with an increased incidence of rheumatoid arthritis and is present on a subset of DRB1 Molecules.