Biopolymers and cell. 2000; 16 (3): 186 - 194

Immunogenetics aspects of Down syndrome

D. V. Zastavna, O. I. Terpyliak, O. Z. Hnateiko

The review on immunogenetic aspects of the Down syndrome is presented. Since immunological status of an organism and correspondingly predisposition to any disease are determined by the function of major histocompatibility complex antigens (HLA-antigens) the present paper is focused on the peculiarities of HLA-antigens distribution at the Down syndrome formation as well as other regulatory factors, in particular, interferon. A possible involvement of autoimmune thyroiditis as a risk factor of this pathology for offspring is also disscussed.