Mismatches of Minor Histocompatibility Antigens between HLA-Identical Donors and Recipients and the Development of Graft-Versus-Host Disease after Bone Marrow Transplantation

Abstract

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) can be a major complication of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation even when the donor and recipient are siblings and share identical major histocompatibility antigens. The explanation may be a mismatch of minor histocompatibility antigens. We previously characterized five minor histocompatibility antigens, HA-1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, that are recognized by T cells in association with the major histocompatibility antigens HLA-A1 and A2.