The MHC/HLA Gene Complex in Major Psychiatric Disorders: Emerging Roles and Implications

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Major psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorders are etiologically heterogeneous. Gene-environment interactions seemingly constitute the predominant risk mechanism for these conditions. Multiple common and rare genetic variants, sometimes shared, are shown to confer risk to these disorders. Amongst them, the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), known as human leukocyte antigen (HLA) in humans, has emerged as one of the best replicated genetic risk locus of various neuropsychiatric diseases. Herein, we review recent advances regarding MHC’s involvement in the immunopathogenetic pathways of major psychiatric disorders and highlight findings that clearl..