Abstract
Background: During pregnancy, the maternal-fetal contact may lead to the development of tolerance against the maternal human leukocyte antigen (HLA) that is not inherited by the fetus. These non-inherited maternal antigens (NIMAs) define acceptable HLA mismatches; therefore, the number of HLA phenotypes that are suitable matches for patients who need a hematopoietic stem cell transplant could be increased. Cord blood unit (CBU) transplantations to patients mismatched for a HLA loci, but similar to the ΝΙΜAs of the CBU, have a prognosis similar to 6/6-matched ones. Methods: The Hellenic Cord Blood Bank (HCBB) identified the maternal HLA of 380 cord blood donors, specifying the NIMA haplotypes of the related cryostored CBUs. Results: The HCBB extended the pool of HLA phenotypes through the generation of unique virtual phenotypes (VPs). A “VP database” was set up, using Microsoft Office—Access™, in order to provide NIMA-matched CBUs for potential recipients. The effectiveness of VPs’ matching was tested in 80 Greek patients. Conclusion: This methodology may contribute to the increase of the number of available CBUs for patients, in the case where there is no available CBU, or in case an additional one is needed. Through this method, the CBUs could be used faster and more effectively, rather than being cryostored for long periods of time.
Highlights
The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system plays a crucial role in transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells and solid organs
The maximum number of HLA mismatches (HLA-MM) between a Cord blood unit (CBU) and a mother is three and the same applies for the maximum number of non-inherited maternal antigens (NIMAs) composing a NIMA haplotype
In the case that the CBU or the mother were homozygous for HLA-A, -B, and/or -DRB1, the identified NIMAs were fewer, and the CBU yielded fewer virtual phenotypes (VPs)
Summary
The HLA system plays a crucial role in transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells and solid organs. The maternal-fetal contact may lead to the development of tolerance against the maternal human leukocyte antigen (HLA) that is not inherited by the fetus These non-inherited maternal antigens (NIMAs) define acceptable HLA mismatches; the number of HLA phenotypes that are suitable matches for patients who need a hematopoietic stem cell transplant could be increased. Conclusion: This methodology may contribute to the increase of the number of available CBUs for patients, in the case where there is no available CBU, or in case an additional one is needed Through this method, the CBUs could be used faster and more effectively, rather than being cryostored for long periods of time
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