The Role of Human Leukocyte Antigens in Multiple Sclerosis and Brain Atrophy

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Published: Jul 23, 2025

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Tanisha Mandal
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Abstract

Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) are significant components of the human immune system responsible for autoimmunity. These genes are located on chromosome 6 and encode for proteins that assist the body in fighting against foreign invaders. However, HLA may have the potential to induce varying degrees of brain atrophy (BA) and multiple sclerosis (MS), both of which are neurodegenerative disorders. Examining the protective and aggravating effects of HLA on these neurological disorders, as well as potential preventive measures that could be implemented through HLA, may prove to have significant effects on the approach to BA and MS.

Article Details

Issue
Vol. 8 No. 2 (2025): Brain Matters
Section
Articles
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Author Biography

Tanisha Mandal, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Tanisha Mandal is a freshman at the University of Illinois, studying Neural Engineering with a minor in Computer Science. Her interests in neuroscience include computational neuroscience, specifically its applications in treating neurodegenerative diseases, and internal causes of severe brain lesions, such as brain cancer. She also enjoys going skiing, playing cards, and listening to music. Tanisha was interested in being a writer for Brain Matters to have the opportunity to practice writing her own research papers in the future and explore new neuroscience topics in depth. Outside of Brain Matters, Tanisha is involved in research programs such as NeuroTech’s Cortex Codex and UR2PhD, and fun RSOs such as The Cooking Collective and UIUC’s Book Club!