The DQ barrier: Improving organ allocation equity using HLA-DQ information

Anat R. Tambur*, Joseph R. Leventhal, Jennifer R. Zitzner, R. Carlin Walsh, John J. Friedewald

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

42 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The United Network for Organ Sharing algorithm for deceased-donor kidney allocation considers only the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A, HLA-B, and HLA-DR loci. Although HLA-DQ serologic specificities can be entered as unacceptable antigens, they are assigned only by the identity of the DQβ chain, disregarding the role of the similarly polymorphic α chain. DQα/β combinations result in unique antigenic epitopes, which serve as targets to different antibodies. Therefore, the presence of HLA antibodies to one DQα/β combination should not preclude negative crossmatch (XM) against another combination. In this retrospective analysis, patients were allowed XM against a particular donor if they had antibodies to some, but not all, DQα/β allele combinations with the donor serologic HLA-DQ antigens. Methods: HLA antibody signature was obtained using solid-phase Luminex-based antibody analysis. Results were captured at the high-resolution level (as provided by the positive beads). Potential donors were typed to include information on both HLA-DQA and HLA-DQB alleles. Results: Of the 1130 flow XM assays performed, 147 patients had antibodies to donor serologic HLA-DQ antigens. Thirty-five of those patients had antibodies to an allelic DQα/β combination within the donor serologic DQ specificity that were different from the donor's DQα/β, leading to negative flow XM results (24%). Virtual XM, accounting for donor DQα/β combinations, successfully predicts more than 98% of XM outcomes. Conclusions: In patients with allelic DQα/β antibodies, denying the opportunity for XM based on serologically defined unacceptable antigens can disadvantage the patient. Larger cohort studies are required to substantiate our observation. Introducing DQα/β combination information may increase virtual XM accuracy and organ allocation equity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)635-640
Number of pages6
JournalTransplantation
Volume95
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 27 2013

Keywords

  • Epitope
  • HLA-DQA
  • HLA-DQα
  • Organ equity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Transplantation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The DQ barrier: Improving organ allocation equity using HLA-DQ information'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this