Major Histocompatibility Complex & Celiac disease

The HLA complex is highly polymorphic genes located on the short arm of chromosome 6 and also known as the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). MHC is found to present antigens to T cells as part of an immune response most likely found in autoimmune disease i.e Celiac disease (CD). Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-based, chronic inflammatory disorder of the small bowel mucosa, which occurs in genetically predisposed individuals precipitated by the ingestion of gluten, the major storage protein of wheat and similar grains. We aimed at identification and evaluation of HLA "DQ2" and "DQ8" heterodimers in human subjects and determination of prevalence of celiac disease in ethnic group of northernmost geographical region of the Indian subcontinent i.e. Kashmir. In this book we established that majority of the subjects under study are susceptible to celiac disease and notably females are more susceptible as compared to males. Findings of the recent work could possibly aid in better understanding the prevalence of CD in Kashmir.