Human Leukocyte Antigen Class I Epitopes: Update to 103 Total Epitopes, Including the C Locus

Abstract

Beads bearing single antigens tested with monoclonal or eluted alloantibodies proved very powerful in identifying epitopes shared among HLA antigens. These epitopes are the targets of the antibodies. Antibody specificities to non-donor-specific antigens, often found in sera of transplant patients, can now be understood as reactions to epitopes shared with the donor specific antigens. The importance of identifying these epitopes is that they may be the "transplantation antigens" responsible for antibody-mediated transplant rejection.