What is HLA DNA autoimmunity?
HLA genes, short for human leukocyte antigen, sit together on chromosome 6. They produce proteins that sit on the surface of your cells and hold up small fragments of other proteins for immune cells to inspect. Class I genes, such as HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-C, are found on nearly every cell. Class II genes, such as HLA-DR, HLA-DQ and HLA-DP, are found mainly on specialized immune cells.
How your genes play a role
Because these genes vary so much between people, each person displays a slightly different set of fragments. That diversity helps humanity respond to many microbes. Certain HLA types, including some forms of HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1 and HLA-DQA1, are studied for their links to immune tolerance. Genes such as PTPN22 and AIRE add context about how immune activation is regulated.
Your HLA profile is a foundational piece of your immune identity. Knowing it can help you understand family patterns, add context to conversations with your clinician, and appreciate why your immune system behaves the way it does. Many HLA types studied in research are common in the general population, and most people who carry them stay well, so this insight is about understanding, not alarm.
What your report shows
Your HLA DNA Autoimmunity results are explained in plain language in your private EvoDNA account, alongside the other areas in your kit.
- Your HLA typesA clear overview of the HLA variants detected across your class I and class II genes.
- Studied associationsWhether you carry HLA types that research frequently examines in autoimmune studies.
- Regulation genesHow genes that train and restrain immune cells may be tuned in your DNA.
- Family perspectiveContext that may help explain immune tendencies shared across relatives.
| Gene | What it does | Result |
|---|---|---|
| HLA-DRB1 | One of the most variable HLA genes, helping immune… | Typical |
| HLA-DQB1 | Works with HLA-DQA1 to form a presenting molecule studied… | Moderate effect |
| HLA-C | Helps display protein fragments on most cells and also… | Typical |
Each result comes with a plain-language explanation and practical points to discuss with your clinician.
Illustration only. Your report reflects your own genetic results.
Genes we analyze
| Gene | Role |
|---|---|
| HLA-DRB1 | One of the most variable HLA genes, helping immune cells present fragments to helper T cells. |
| HLA-DQB1 | Works with HLA-DQA1 to form a presenting molecule studied in research on gluten-related immune responses. |
| HLA-C | Helps display protein fragments on most cells and also communicates with natural killer cells. |
| AIRE | Helps the thymus teach developing immune cells to tolerate the body's own proteins. |
| PTPN22 | Produces an enzyme that helps set how easily immune cells become activated. |
Full panel: 11 genes
HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-DR, HLA-DQ, HLA-DP, HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1, HLA-DQA1, PTPN22, AIRE
Putting results to use
Many people use their results as a starting point for conversations with their clinician about:
Pairing HLA insight with your family health history gives your clinician a fuller picture.
Keeping simple notes about symptoms over time can make clinical conversations more productive.
A varied, whole food diet is commonly discussed as supportive of overall immune health.
Good sleep and manageable stress levels support the immune system's natural balance.
Questions
Do my HLA types mean I have an autoimmune condition?
No. Many HLA types studied in research are common, and most people who carry them never develop a related condition. Diagnosis always requires clinical evaluation.
How is this different from the Autoimmunity area?
This area focuses closely on your HLA genes themselves, giving a detailed view of your immune signature. The Autoimmunity area looks more broadly at tolerance and immune regulation genes.
Can I share my HLA results with my clinician?
Yes, and that is often the most useful step. Your clinician can interpret them alongside your history and decide whether any further testing is helpful.
Only interested in this area? The Autoimmune DNA Profile Genetic Report is available on its own for $99.00.
