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Mechanisms of minor histocompatibility antigen immunogenicity

The role of infinitesimal versus structurally profound polymorphisms

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Abstract

Minor histocompatibility antigens (mHAgs) are a diverse collection of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-bound peptides that play a critical role in the induction of detrimental graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) or the development of beneficial graft-versustumor (GVT) effects after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. mHAgs are a consequence of allelic polymorphism that translates to disparity in MHC-presented peptide epitopes between transplant donor and recipient. This donor/recipient allelic disparity can range from infinitesimal amino side chain differences between MHC-presented peptides, to profound structural polymorphisms in genes and proteins that can nullify transcription or translation of one allelic variant and result in the complete aborgation of its presentation by MHC.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Medicine and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA, Pittsburgh

    Anthony G. Brickner PhD

  2. Rm. G.5a Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, 5117 Centre Ayenue, 15213-1863, Pittsburgh, PA

    Anthony G. Brickner PhD

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  1. Anthony G. Brickner PhD
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Correspondence to Anthony G. Brickner PhD.

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Brickner, A.G. Mechanisms of minor histocompatibility antigen immunogenicity. Immunol Res 36, 33–41 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1385/IR:36:1:33

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/IR:36:1:33

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