NK-KIR ligand identification: a quick Q-PCR approach for HLA-C epitope typing

Tissue Antigens. 2007 Apr;69(4):334-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-0039.2007.00809.x.

Abstract

Interaction of donor natural killer (NK)-cell-associated killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) with the patient's human leukocyte antigen-C (HLA-C) ligands can result in an alloreactive NK response after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In many retrospective studies, additional HLA-C-typing data are required to predict NK-cell alloreactivity. We developed a Taqman assay using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) technique that facilitates HLA-C epitope typing, allowing the assignment of HLA-C group 1 or 2 alleles based on the dimorphism at residues 77 and 80 rather than based on the sequence specific priming (SSP) and sequence-based typing allele types. Q-PCR analysis for HLA-C epitope detection showed three clusters reflecting homozygous group 1 or 2 and heterozygous samples. This new approach introduces a quick HLA-C epitope screening method to define the presence of the ligand for the KIR-HLA-C interaction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • DNA Primers / chemistry
  • Epitopes / genetics*
  • HLA Antigens / genetics
  • HLA-C Antigens / biosynthesis*
  • HLA-C Antigens / genetics*
  • Histocompatibility
  • Histocompatibility Testing / methods*
  • Homozygote
  • Humans
  • Killer Cells, Natural / cytology*
  • Ligands
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • Epitopes
  • HLA Antigens
  • HLA-C Antigens
  • Ligands