HLA DP: Antibodies

HLA-DPA1 belongs to the HLA class II alpha chain paralogues. This class II molecule is a heterodimer consisting of an alpha (DPA) and a beta (DPB) chain, both anchored in the membrane. It plays a vital role in the immune system by presenting peptides derived from extracellular proteins. Class II molecules are expressed in antigen presenting cells (B lymphocytes, dendritic cells and macrophages). Within the DP molecule the alpha and beta chain contain the polymorphisms governing the peptide binding specificities, resulting in up to 4 different molecules.