A uniform genomic minor histocompatibility antigen typing methodology and database designed to facilitate clinical applications.
BACKGROUND
Minor Histocompatibility (H) antigen mismatches significantly influence the outcome of HLA-matched allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The molecular identification of human H antigens is increasing rapidly. In parallel, clinical application of minor H antigen typing has gained interest. So far, relevant and simple tools to analyze the minor H antigens in a quick and reliable way are lacking.


RESULTS
We developed a uniform PCR with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) for 10 different autosomal minor H antigens and H-Y. This genomic minor H antigen typing methodology allows easy incorporation in the routine HLA typing procedures. DNA from previously typed EBV-LCL was used to validate the methodology. To facilitate easy interpretation for clinical purposes, a minor H database named dbMinor (http://www.lumc.nl/dbminor) was developed. Input of the minor H antigen typing results subsequently provides all relevant information for a given patient/donor pair and additional information on the putative graft-versus-host, graft-versus-tumor and host-versus-graft reactivities.


CONCLUSIONS
A simple, uniform and rapid methodology was developed enabling determination of minor H antigen genotypes of all currently identified minor H antigens. A dbMinor database was developed to interpret the genomic typing for its potential clinical relevance. The combination of the minor H antigen genomic typing methodology with the online dbMinor database and applications facilitates the clinical application of minor H antigens anti-tumor targets after stem cell transplantation.
Spierings
Eric
E
Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center Leiden, The Netherlands. eric.spierings@lumc.nl
Drabbels
Jos
J
Hendriks
Matthijs
M
Pool
Jos
J
Spruyt-Gerritse
Marijke
M
Claas
Frans
F
Goulmy
Els
E
D000483:Alleles; D001483:Base Sequence; D017931:DNA Primers / Q000235:genetics; D030541:Databases, Genetic; D006182:H-Y Antigen / Q000235:genetics; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000235:genetics; D006650:Histocompatibility Testing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D015778:Minor Histocompatibility Antigens / Q000235:genetics*; D008912:Minor Histocompatibility Loci; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation
D017931:DNA Primers; D006182:H-Y Antigen; D006680:HLA Antigens; D015778:Minor Histocompatibility Antigens