Topic summary
HLA-C
HLA-C (Human Leukocyte Antigen-C) belongs to the MHC class I heavy chain receptors. The C receptor is a heterodimer consisting of a HLA-C mature gene product and β2-microglobulin. The mature C chain is anchored in the membrane. MHC Class I molecules, like HLA-C, are expressed in nearly all cells, and present small peptides to the immune system which surveys for non-self peptides.
HLA-C is a locus on chromosome 6, which encodes for many HLA-C alleles that are Class-I MHC receptors. HLA-C, localized proximal to the HLA-B locus, is located on the distal end of the HLA region. Most HLA-C:B haplotypes are in strong linkage disequilibrium and many are as ancient as the human species itself.