Antibodies against HLA-DQ α-chain and their role in organ transplantation

The availability of solid phase based testing for the detection of antibodies to HLA antigens has significantly increased the sensitivity and specificity of antibody identification. However, it is important to understand the nature and complexity of the HLA system and of the reagents used for its identification in order to accurately interpret solid phase based testing results. Here we present two case reports; in the main case presented, the findings may have led to denying a patient from receiving an immunologically compatible organ, if careful interpretation of antibody testing results had not been performed. Interestingly, those were antibodies directed at the α-chain (or combination of α- and β-chain) of a DQ antigen.