How Does the HLA Complex Affect Susceptibility to Infectious Diseases?
Different HLA alleles can influence how effectively an individual's immune system responds to infections. For example, certain HLA alleles are associated with increased susceptibility to diseases like HIV, hepatitis B, and malaria. Conversely, some alleles may confer resistance to these diseases. Epidemiological studies often investigate the distribution of HLA alleles in populations to identify correlations with infectious disease outcomes.
