Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
4258588 | Transplantation Proceedings | 2011 | 5 Pages |
Progress in transplantation has relied on similar human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching between the donor and the patient, while the role of other immunologic factors like non-HLA markers including minor histocompatibility antigens (miHA) are currently in the forefront. miHA are polymorphic proteins that vary even in monozygotic twins. The best known is the H-Y antigen, but there are also other autosomal miHA and MICA (MHC class I chain-related gene A). miHA have been well studied in transplantation of hematopoietic precursors, but not in solid organ transplantation. The most important studies in this field relate to incompatibility of H-Y antigen as a risk factor in kidney transplantation, although the findings are still inconclusive. This review presents the role of minor histocompatibility antigens in solid organ transplantation, especially of the kidney.