What is HLA?
HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigens) are markers on the surface of white blood cells. HLA forms the basis for recognizing and rejecting foreign tissues i.e. it recognizes self from non self. Matching marrow recipients and their donors for their HLA type has been shown to greatly increase the likelihood of a successful transplant. HLA genes are inherited. There are millions of marrow types in the general population, and population genetics has shown that there is a great likelihood of these genes being confined to a race/ethnic group. Thus, the greatest chance of finding a matched marrow donor exists within the patient’s own racial group. There is a good possibility for South Asians in finding a match in their own community because they are so diverse in their roots due to cross race. A large number of potential donors must be educated and registered to increase the chances of our patients finding a match.
