HLA Graph, a Free and Ready-to-Use Bioinformatics Tool to Explore Anti-HLA Eplets Reactivity Pattern.
Résumé
INTRODUCTION: HLA antigens are highly polymorphic and their immunogenicity is dependent on the configurations of polymorphic amino acids. Monitoring anti-HLA immunization is essential in organ transplantation, as antibodies directed against HLA molecules are a major cause of rejection. Anti-HLA antibodies are not specific for HLA antigens, but recognize B-cell epitopes present on HLA molecules. METHODS: To better understand antibody reactivity patterns, we calculated the Spearman correlation of the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of anti-HLA antibodies identified by a single antigen assay performed using a Luminex\textregistered immunobeads assay on a large number of samples. Then, we built a computer tool analyzing antibody reactivity patterns with an accessibility by a web browser linked to the International Epitope Registry. We also extended our model to Onelambda\textregistered and Lifecodes\textregistered Single Antigen class I and class II assays. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The resulting MFI correlations reflect HLA antibody cross-reactivity and eplets similarity. We built HLA Graph, a computer tool that analyzes the eplets involved in antibody reactivity profiles. HLA Graph is usable with Onelambda\textregistered and Lifecodes\textregistered Single Antigen class I and class II assays. The interpretation of reactivity against alleles not tested by the antibody assays and against the alpha and beta chains of HLA-DQ and HLA-DP loci were also developed. CONCLUSION: HLA Graph is a free and ready-to-use bioinformatics tool that can be used by all laboratories performing anti-HLA antibody identification by immunobead assay. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.