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

• Published in: Tissue antigens Vol. 69; no. 4; pp. 334 - 337
• Main Authors: Schellekens, J., Rozemuller, E. H., Borst, H. P. E., Otten, H. G., Van Den Tweel, J. G., Tilanus, M. G. J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.04.2007
• Subjects: Alleles; DNA Primers - chemistry; Epitopes - genetics; Histocompatibility; Histocompatibility Testing - methods; HLA Antigens - genetics; HLA-C Antigens - biosynthesis; HLA-C Antigens - genetics; HLA-C epitope; Homozygote; Humans; Killer Cells, Natural - cytology; KIR; KIR ligand; Ligands; Polymerase Chain Reaction - methods; Q-PCR
• ISSN: 0001-2815; 1399-0039
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0039.2007.00809.x

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.