Safe plays, dangerous plays: the HLA system through football soccer
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22201/ceide.16076079e.2026.27.3.16Keywords:
hla, immune system, Nosocomial infections, autoimmune diseases, pregnancy, breast cancerAbstract
hla is a group of molecules that can be compared to the different plays performed by each player (cell) during a soccer match. These plays are monitored by the immune system with the help of its referees, the CD8+T lymphocytes, which are responsible for reviewing and penalizing problematic players. In this way, the immune system can distinguish between safe plays, in which cells display their own molecules, and dangerous plays that require closer inspection because they may contain fragments of viruses, bacteria, or cancer cells. Knowing the types of plays, or hla molecules, allowed in each match is extremely important in transplantation, autoimmune diseases, protection against infections, and pregnancy, where it helps prevent rejection of the fetus. hla diversity is even relevant in mate selection, as individuals tend to prefer partners with immune profiles that differ from their own, potentially contributing to offspring with a stronger immune system.
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