Human leukocyte antigens and drug hypersensitivity

The strong genetic association suggests a direct involvement of HLA in the pathogenesis of drug hypersensitivity when the HLA molecule presents an antigenic drug for T cell activation. The high sensitivity/ specificity of some markers provides a plausible basis for developing tests to identify individuals at risk for drug hypersensitivity. Application of HLA-13*1502 genotyping as a screening tool before prescribing carbamazepine could be a valuable tool in preventing carbamazepine-induced SJS/TEN in south-east Asian countries.