MHC vs HLA

“MHC” stands for “major histocompatibility complex” while “HLA” is the short version of “human leukocyte antigen.”

Both are group of antigens or proteins that are found in the surface of cells and in the genetic makeup or DNA. Their functions are also very similar. They identify and prevent a foreign protein or cell in entering or its spreading in an organism’s body. It is often in coordination with the immune system which attacks these foreign bodies. Both groups of proteins regulate the immune system itself and its response.

The main difference between the two groups is that MHC is often found in vertebrates while HLA is found only in humans. To simplify, HLA is the human body’s version of MHC.
Part of the responsibility of these antigens is to detect cells entering the body. Upon detection, cells are recognized as local or foreign cells. Local cells carrying viruses and other harmful organisms are often identified and attacked. This is also true for foreign cells introduced to the body.

Many times these antigens are involved when an organ transplant is planned for an organism or a human being. Certain tests are carried out to determine the compatibility between an organ and a recipient’s body. Near perfect or perfect matches are desirable in these situations to lessen the risk and occurrence of the recipient’s body in rejecting the organ.
Aside from organ transplants, both MHC and HLA are very useful in making a body and its defense stronger. In humans, the HLA is also used in paternity tests to determine the parentage of a child. This is done by comparing antigens from the child, father, and mother.

A disadvantage of MHC and HLA is that it carries certain hereditary diseases like cancer, diabetes, and lupus.
Both antigens are also responsible in preventing inbreeding or the state of excessive similar genetic material in a person. It favors diversity in the genetic makeup but, at the same time, it is responsible for cooperation in terms of kin recognition, dual recognition, and transplant matching.

Both MHC and HLA have four classifications of antigens. However, only the first and second classes of antigens are responsible for identification and a response to any cell, local or foreign. Class I antigens deal with the destruction of foreign or infected local cells. This occurs in all types of cells except for red blood cells.
Meanwhile, class II mediates specific immunization to the antigen. Class II is found in B cells, macrophages and antigen-preventing cells (APCs).
MHC and HLA both act as shields of defense and protection of an organism’s body.

Summary:

1.MHC and HLA are slightly different, but their functions are basically the same.
2.Both MHC and HLA are classified as proteins and further classified as antigens. They are both located in an organism’s cell and work hand-in-hand with the body’s immune system.
3.MHC is found in many vertebrates while HLA is found in humans. HLA is basically the human MHC.
4.Both MHC and HLA are identifiers of local and foreign cells in a body. Foreign and infected cells are attacked and immunized. They regulate the immune system and its responses.
5.These antigens play a key role in organ transplants. An organ can be rejected by the recipient’s body if its MHC or HLA is not nearly or a perfect match. Aside from immunization and histocompatibilty, these antigens are also responsible for the defenses of a body against foreign organisms.
6.Only two classes out of four are responsible for the body’s immunity responses.
7.HLA can be used in identifying a child’s paternity and can also function as a carrier of hereditary diseases. It also prevents inbreeding among people.