What molecule is produced by HLA class III genes?

What molecule is produced by HLA class III genes?

• A. T-cell immune receptors
• B. HLA-D antigens on immune cells
• C. Complement proteins C2, C4, and Factor B
• D. Immunoglobulin VL regions

Answer: (C)

HLA class III genes play a significant role in the immune response, primarily by encoding several proteins that are crucial for both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Among the products of HLA class III genes are complement proteins, specifically C2, C4, and Factor B. These proteins are integral components of the complement system, which enhances the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear pathogens from an organism. The complement proteins encoded by HLA class III genes not only participate in the opsonization of pathogens, aiding in their recognition and destruction by immune cells, but they also play roles in inflammation and the formation of the membrane attack complex that can directly lyse pathogens. Understanding the functions of HLA class III gene products highlights their importance beyond just antigen presentation, encompassing roles in various immune mechanisms, especially involving the complement system. This aligns with the context that the other choices do not represent the products of HLA class III genes. T-cell immune receptors and HLA-D antigens are produced by different classes of HLA genes, while immunoglobulin VL regions are associated with antibody structure and development but are not related to HLA class III gene products.

HLA class III genes play a significant role in the immune response, primarily by encoding several proteins that are crucial for both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Among the products of HLA class III genes are complement proteins, specifically C2, C4, and Factor B. These proteins are integral components of the complement system, which enhances the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear pathogens from an organism.

The complement proteins encoded by HLA class III genes not only participate in the opsonization of pathogens, aiding in their recognition and destruction by immune cells, but they also play roles in inflammation and the formation of the membrane attack complex that can directly lyse pathogens.

Understanding the functions of HLA class III gene products highlights their importance beyond just antigen presentation, encompassing roles in various immune mechanisms, especially involving the complement system. This aligns with the context that the other choices do not represent the products of HLA class III genes. T-cell immune receptors and HLA-D antigens are produced by different classes of HLA genes, while immunoglobulin VL regions are associated with antibody structure and development but are not related to HLA class III gene products.