If you’ve recently heard about the HLA-B27 test or had it done, you might be wondering what it really means for your health. It’s one of the many autoimmune tests that can be confusing—especially when you get a positive result and then hear your doctor say, “Oh, that doesn’t mean anything.” So, what exactly is HLA-B27, and why does it matter when it comes to arthritis and conditions like Ankylosing Spondylitis?
What Is HLA-B27?
HLA-B27 is a gene that produces proteins involved in your immune system. These proteins play a key role in helping your immune cells communicate with each other, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune response. Now, HLA-B27 is not the only gene involved in building a healthy immune system, but it has caught a lot of attention because of its connection to certain types of arthritis, especially Ankylosing Spondylitis.
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