Eplet-Based HLA Class II Matching for Transplantation: Design of a Repertoire of Interlocus Eplets Shared between HLA-DR,-DQ and-DP Alleles

Abstract

Many studies have demonstrated that HLA-DR, HLA-DQ and HLA-DP matching at the eplet level reduces allograft rejection and improves transplant outcome. Such studies have examined the eplet effect for the individual class II loci, but until now little attention has been given to so-called interlocus class II eplets shared between HLA-DR, HLA-DQ and/or HLA-DP alleles. This report summarizes current information about antibody-verified interlocus class II eplets. It describes a structural modeling method to determine potentially immunogenic interlocus class II eplets and to identify non-immunogenic eplets because they are monomorphic at another class II locus. We propose that the inclusion of interlocus class II eplets will enhance the efficiency of eplet-based HLA-DR,-DQ,-DP matching in organ transplantation.