14th International HLA and Immunogenetics Workshop: report on the structural basis of HLA compatibility

Abstract

Under auspices of the 14th International Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) and Immunogenetics Workshop, multilaboratory collaborative studies were organized addressing the following projects: (1) identification of structurally defined class I and class II HLA epitopes by human monoclonal antibodies, (2) assessment of the relative immunogenicity of structurally defined donor HLA mismatches in kidney transplantation, and (3) evaluation of the usefulness of structurally based HLA matching in platelet transfusion support of alloimmunized thrombocytopenic patients. This progress report describes a preliminary HLAMatchmaker-based data analysis in each project. The findings support the clinical usefulness of structural HLA matching.