Analysis and influence of anti-HLA antibodies after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from HLA-mismatched unrelated donors

Abstract

Antibodies against human leukocyte antigen (anti-HLA Abs) are important factors responsible for graft rejection in solid organ transplantation, but their role in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is unknown. As the number of patients who are treated with HLA-mismatched HSCT (including cord blood, haploidentical and unrelated HSCTs) constantly increases, the presence and influence of anti-HLA antibodies on the HSCT outcome is unknown. Thus we have examined incidence and influence of anti-HLA antibodies on outcomes of allo-HSCT from HLAmismatched unrelated donors. Abs were identified in sera collected from 30 recipients. We have used automated DynaChip assay which uses microchips bearing purified class I and II HLA antigens for detection of anti-HLA Abs. The preliminary results indicate that anti-HLA Abs appear post transplant in mismatched allo-HSCT recipients and may be potentially responsible for the occurrence of post-transplant complications.