Gene HCP5
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Also known as
P5-1, HLA complex P5Overview
HCP5 (HLA Complex P5) encodes a long non-coding RNA located within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region on chromosome 6. This locus produces a transcript derived from an endogenous retrovirus that has been integrated into the human genome and appears to play regulatory roles in immune function.Variants in HCP5 are among the strongest genetic predictors of HIV-1 viral load setpoint and AIDS progression. The rs2395029 variant is in strong linkage disequilibrium with HLA-B*5701 and serves as a surrogate marker for this HLA allele, which is associated with HIV control and hypersensitivity to abacavir. HCP5 variants have also been associated with other autoimmune and infectious disease phenotypes.
Understanding your HCP5 genetic status provides information relevant to HIV infection outcomes and drug hypersensitivity risk. Testing for HCP5/HLA-B*5701 is recommended before initiating abacavir therapy to prevent potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions.