HLA DQA1* details
What HLA DQA1* shows
HLA-DQA1 is one of the genes that together make up HLA-DQ, an immune system molecule that presents protein fragments to immune cells. Certain DQA1 types, combined with matching DQB1 types, form HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8, the gene types that almost everyone with celiac disease carries. This test is used to assess genetic susceptibility to celiac disease, especially when antibody results are unclear or you are already on a gluten-free diet. Carrying a risk type is common and does not mean you have or will develop celiac disease, while lacking both DQ2 and DQ8 makes celiac disease much less likely. It is a lifelong result, interpreted with the DQB1 result.
Tests that include HLA DQA1*
Celiac disease is a multigenic immune-mediated enteropathy triggered by dietary proteins, commonly known as glutens, present in wheat, barley, and rye. Varied clinical manifestations begin either in childhood or adult life. Its prevalence in the united states ranges from 0.5 to 1%. Celiac disease is strongly associated with the HLA genetic region. Approximately 90% of celiac patients express the HLA-DQ2 molecule. Most of the DQ2 negative patients express the HLA-DQ8 molecule. Gluten peptides presented by these HLA molecules induce an abnormal mucosal immune response and tissue damage. The HLA-DQ molecules are heterodimers of an alpha and a beta chain. The beta chain of HLA-DQ2 is coded by HLA-DQB102 and of DQ8 by HLA-DQB10302. HLA-DQB1 genotyping allows clinicians to evaluate the genetic predisposition for celiac disease in a patient.
- HLA-DQ2 A genetic marker strongly associated with celiac disease; most people with celiac carry this or the related HLA-DQ8 gene.
- HLA-DQ8 A genetic marker associated with celiac disease, carried by a smaller share of celiac patients than HLA-DQ2.
- HLA-DQB1 A genetic marker used in celiac disease risk assessment and in tissue-typing for organ/stem cell transplant matching.
- HLA DQA1* Identifies your HLA-DQA1 gene type, part of HLA-DQ2 and DQ8 typing used to assess genetic susceptibility to celiac disease.
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