What is the Impact of HLA Class I Polymorphism in Cancer?
HLA Class I molecules are highly polymorphic, meaning there is a high degree of variability in their genetic sequences among individuals. This polymorphism affects peptide binding and presentation, influencing individual susceptibility to cancer and response to immunotherapy. Certain HLA alleles may be associated with either increased risk or protection against specific types of cancer. Furthermore, the diversity in HLA alleles within a population can affect the success of immunotherapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors and cancer vaccines, which rely on effective antigen presentation.
