The importance of HLA-DPB1 in unrelated donor hematopoietic cell transplantation

Blood. 2007 Dec 15;110(13):4560-6. doi: 10.1182/blood-2007-06-095265. Epub 2007 Aug 28.

Abstract

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) from an HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-DRB1, and HLA-DQB1 allele-matched unrelated donor is a well-recognized life-saving treatment modality for patients with hematologic disorders. The morbidity and mortality from clinically significant acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) remains a limitation. The extent to which transplantation outcome may be improved with donor matching for HLA-DP is not well defined. The risks of aGVHD, relapse, and mortality associated with HLA-DPB1 allele mismatching were determined in 5929 patients who received a myeloablative HCT from an HLA-A-, HLA-B-, HLA-C-, HLA-DRB1-, and HLA-DQB1-matched or -mismatched donor. There was a statistically significantly higher risk of both grades 2 to 4 aGVHD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.33; P < .001) and grades 3 to 4 aGVHD (OR = 1.26; P < .001) after HCT from an HLA-DPB1-mismatched donor compared with a matched donor. The increased risk of aGVHD was accompanied by a statistically significantly decrease in disease relapse (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.82; P = .01). HLA-DPB1 functions as a classical transplantation antigen. The increased risk of GVHD associated with HLA-DPB1 mismatching is accompanied by a lower risk of relapse. Knowledge of the DPB1 matching status prior to transplantation will aid in more precise risk stratification for the individual patient.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Alleles
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Epidemiologic Measurements
  • Female
  • Graft vs Host Disease / immunology
  • HLA-DP Antigens / immunology*
  • HLA-DP beta-Chains
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / methods
  • Histocompatibility / immunology*
  • Histocompatibility Testing
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Odds Ratio
  • Recurrence
  • Risk
  • Survival Rate
  • Tissue Donors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • HLA-DP Antigens
  • HLA-DP beta-Chains
  • HLA-DPB1 antigen