title: EpViX: A cloud-based tool for epitope reactivity analysis and epitope virtual crossmatching to identify low immunologic risk donors for sensitized recipients.
abstract: One of the challenges facing solid organ transplantation programs globally is the identification of low immunological risk donors for sensitized recipients by HLA allele genotype. Because recognition of donor HLA alleles by host antibodies is at the core of organ rejection, the objective of this work was to develop a new version of the EpHLA software, named EpViX, which uses an HLAMatchmaker algorithm and performs automated epitope virtual crossmatching at the initiation of the organ donation process. EpViX is a free, web-based application developed for use over the internet on a tablet, smartphone or computer. This program was developed using the Ruby programming language and the Ruby-on-Rails framework. To improve the user experience, the EpViX software interface was developed based on the best human–computer interface practices. To simplify epitope analysis and virtual crossmatching, the program was integrated with important available web-based resources, such as OPTN, IMGT/HLA and the International HLA Epitope Registry. We successfully developed a program that allows people to work collaboratively and effectively during the donation process by accurately predicting negative crossmatches, saving time and other resources.
authors.affiliation: Immunogenetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Federal University of Piauí, Campus Ministro Petrônio Portela SG-16, Teresina, PI CEP: 64049-550, Brazil. Electronic address: facanunciacao@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Fernando Antonio Costa
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Anunciação
authors.affiliation: Immunogenetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Federal University of Piauí, Campus Ministro Petrônio Portela SG-16, Teresina, PI CEP: 64049-550, Brazil; Computation Department, Federal University of Piauí, Campus Ministro Petrônio Portela SG-9, Teresina, PI CEP: 64049-550, Brazil. Electronic address: claudio.demes@ufpi.edu.br.
authors.forename: Luiz Claudio Demes da Mata
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Sousa
authors.affiliation: Immunogenetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Federal University of Piauí, Campus Ministro Petrônio Portela SG-16, Teresina, PI CEP: 64049-550, Brazil; Department of Biology, Federal University of Piauí, Campus Ministro Petrônio Portela SG-16, Teresina, PI CEP: 64049-550, Brazil. Electronic address: adalberto@ufpi.edu.br.
authors.forename: Adalberto Socorro
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: da Silva
authors.affiliation: Immunogenetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Federal University of Piauí, Campus Ministro Petrônio Portela SG-16, Teresina, PI CEP: 64049-550, Brazil. Electronic address: mariomarroquim@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Mário Sérgio Coelho
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Marroquim
authors.affiliation: Immunogenetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Federal University of Piauí, Campus Ministro Petrônio Portela SG-16, Teresina, PI CEP: 64049-550, Brazil. Electronic address: gilberto@ufpi.edu.br.
authors.forename: Antônio Gilberto Borges
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Coelho
authors.affiliation: HLA Diagnóstico, Rua Gonçalves Maia, 113 Bairro Soledade, Recife, PE CEP: 50070-065, Brazil. Electronic address: willcox@hladiagnostico.com.br.
authors.forename: Glauco Henrique
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Willcox
authors.affiliation: IMIP Pernambuco, Rua Coelhos, 300 Bairro Boa Vista, Recife, PE CEP: 50070-550, Brazil. Electronic address: joaoecarolina@yahoo.com.br.
authors.forename: João Marcelo Medeiros
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: de Andrade
authors.affiliation: HLA Diagnóstico, Rua Gonçalves Maia, 113 Bairro Soledade, Recife, PE CEP: 50070-065, Brazil. Electronic address: brunomelocorrea@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Bruno de Melo
authors.initials: Bde M
authors.lastname: Corrêa
authors.affiliation: HLA Diagnóstico, Rua Gonçalves Maia, 113 Bairro Soledade, Recife, PE CEP: 50070-065, Brazil. Electronic address: isabethlima@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Elisabeth Lima
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Guimarães
authors.affiliation: Immunogenetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Federal University of Piauí, Campus Ministro Petrônio Portela SG-16, Teresina, PI CEP: 64049-550, Brazil; Department of Biology, Federal University of Piauí, Campus Ministro Petrônio Portela SG-16, Teresina, PI CEP: 64049-550, Brazil. Electronic address: semiramis@ufpi.edu.br.
authors.forename: Semiramis Jamil Hadad
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: do Monte
mesh_terms: D001666:Binding Sites, Antibody; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006650:Histocompatibility Testing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D007518:Isoantibodies / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D016377:Organ Transplantation; D011485:Protein Binding; D012306:Risk; D000068997:Smartphone / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012984:Software; D014019:Tissue Donors; D066027:Transplant Recipients
chemical_list: D006680:HLA Antigens; D007518:Isoantibodies
keywords: HLA epitopes; Sensitized recipients; Software; Virtual crossmatch