Immunogenetics and the Major Histocompatibility Complex 1

Details

Title

Immunogenetics and the Major Histocompatibility Complex 1

Type

Stage One

Module code

HLS041

Requirement

Compulsory

Module objective

By the end of the training period trainees will, in respect of developing an in depth knowledge of immunogenetics and the human Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), be able to prioritise tasks and work independently and be able to:

• analyse, synthesise, evaluate and apply knowledge
• perform, adapt and master a range of technical and clinical skills and procedures
• demonstrate the attitudes and behaviours necessary for professional practice as a consultant clinical scientist dealing with the complexities, uncertainties and tensions of professional practice at this level.

Knowledge and understanding

By the end of the training period the trainee will be able to demonstrate the ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesise relevant knowledge and its application to their professional practice in relation to the:

• significance of polymorphism of HLA and other MHC genes and its relevance to transplantation and disease
• emerging knowledge of the MHC and its relevance to transplantation and disease
• causes and extent of genetic variation in HLA and other MHC genes, and its relevance to transplantation and disease
• nomenclature of HLA and other MHC genes
• process for the identification and nomenclature assignment of HLA and other MHC genes and antigens
• role of the International Histocompatibility Workshops
• mechanisms of gene rearrangement to generate T-cell receptor and Immunoglobulin diversity
• importance of linkage disequilibrium in:
  • study of HLA and disease
  • anthropological studies
  • donor selection
  • laboratory tests
• various sources of bio-informatics available and their applications in immunogenetics
• emerging knowledge and technologies in immunogenetics
• gene structure, expression, polymorphism and function of:
  • MHC
  • NK cell receptors
  • MICA/B
  • cytokines
  • platelet and granulocyte antigens
  • minor histocompatibility antigen systems
  • genes which influence drug metabolism/sensitivity
• process for testing and submission of new alleles.

Technical and clinical skills

By the end of the training period the trainee will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of current relevant research, theory and knowledge and its application to the performance of the following technical procedures and laboratory skills:

• perform the range of tests for the characterisation of HLA genes and other MHC genes relevant to transplantation and disease
• interpret results and correctly assign types for HLA and other MHC genes and antigens
• analyse and troubleshoot difficult results and escalate testing in order to obtain a conclusive test result
• differentiate rare or possible new alleles and antigens of HLA genes or other MHC genes and take appropriate steps to confirm the result
• report results and provide relevant clinical commentary where necessary.

By the end of the training period the trainee will be able to apply knowledge of immunogenetics and the human Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) to perform the clinical skills necessary to manage under supervision to:

• advise the clinical team with regard to the results of testing for HLA and other MHC genes and their relevance to transplantation, transfusion and disease
• advise the clinical team with regard to the significance of rare or new alleles of HLA or other MHC genes found in the patient
• prioritise workload according to the clinical need of the patients.