title: Defining the immunogenicity and antigenicity of HLA epitopes is crucial for optimal epitope matching in clinical renal transplantation.
abstract: Transplantation of an human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatched graft can lead to the development of donor-specific antibodies (DSA), which can result in antibody mediated rejection and graft loss as well as complicate repeat transplantation. These DSA are induced by foreign epitopes present on the mismatched HLA antigens of the donor. However, not all epitopes appear to be equally effective in their ability to induce DSA. Understanding the characteristics of HLA epitopes is crucial for optimal epitope matching in clinical transplantation. In this review, the latest insights on HLA epitopes are described with a special focus on the definition of immunogenicity and antigenicity of HLA epitopes. Furthermore, the use of this knowledge to prevent HLA antibody formation and to select the optimal donor for sensitised transplant candidates will be discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: C S M
authors.initials: CSM
authors.lastname: Kramer
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Roelen
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Heidt
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: F H J
authors.initials: FHJ
authors.lastname: Claas
mesh_terms: D000483:Alleles; D000939:Epitopes / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D015870:Gene Expression; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D006650:Histocompatibility Testing; D006789:Host vs Graft Reaction; D006801:Humans; D007518:Isoantibodies / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D014019:Tissue Donors
chemical_list: D000939:Epitopes; D006680:HLA Antigens; D007518:Isoantibodies
keywords: HLA epitope; antibody; antigenicity; immunogenicity; transplantation