Databases -- HLA Informatics -- Accessing HLA Sequencing Data Through the 6ace Database -- Polymorphism in Classical and Nonclassical Hla Genes -- HLA Typing by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis -- PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Typing of Class I and II Alleles -- PCR-Sequence-Specific Oligonucleotide Probe Typing for HLA-A, -B, and -DR -- HLA-DPA1 and -DPB1 Typing Using the PCR and Nonradioactive Sequence-Specific Oligonucleotide Probes -- PCR-Sequence-Specific Primer Typing of HLA Class I and Class II Alleles -- HLA Typing With Reference Strand-Mediated Conformation Analysis -- Sequencing Protocols for Detection of HLA Class I Polymorphism -- HLA-E and HLA-G Typing -- Typing Alleles of HLA-DM -- Polymorphism in Non-Hla Mhc Genes -- Typing Alleles of TAP1 and TAP2 -- Determining Alleles of the C2 Gene by Southern Blotting -- Complement C4 Protein and DNA Typing Methods -- Typing of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alleles -- Molecular Typing of the MHC Class I Chain-Related Gene Locus -- Microsatellites -- HLA Microsatellite Analysis.

Many of the genes found in the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC:HLA region) are subject to extreme polymorphism. HLA polymorphism has been used extensively in solid organ and bone marrow transplantation to match donors and recipients. Many MHC genes also have significant disease association and play a pivotal role in the control of immune response. In MHC Protocols, leading experts detail readily reproducible methods for identifying these polymorphisms in the human MHC. Described in step-by-step detail to ensure robust and successful experimental results, these techniques provide DNA-based protocols for the study of polymorphism in HLA class I and II genes and in non-HLA HMC genes associated with human disease (TAP1, TAP2, C2, C4, and TNF-a). The authors also describe methods for accessing HLA sequence data from electronic databases designed to catalog HLA-region genes and their alleles. Each method is written by an investigator who has used the technique extensively and includes troubleshooting tips and notes on pitfalls to avoid. Comprehensive and highly practical, MHC Protocols offers both experienced and novice investigators not only a state-of-the-art overview of this dramatically evolving area of immunology, but also a reliable guide to the identification of MHC gene polymorphisms.