The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are involved in the immune system response to foreign agents like viruses and tumour cells. Alteration of MHC gene expression has profound effects in certain diseases. This book brings together basic aspects of the regulation of MHC antigens with important clinical applications.

The immune system plays a key role in the bodys defence against foreign agents like viruses and tumour cells. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are involved in this defence. Alteration of the expression of MHC genes has profound effects on the outcome of certain diseases (such as cancers, viral infections and autoimmune diseases like diabetes). This book explores how altered MHC expression can be explained at the molecular level, and how normal MHC expression can be restored by gene therapy and immunotherapy.