Multiple alloantigens presented on recipient cells

Multiple alloantigens presented on recipient cells refers to the diverse array of polymorphic proteins, primarily Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) and minor histocompatibility antigens (miHAs), expressed on the surface of a transplant recipient's cells (NIH, 2024). These antigens are recognized as foreign by donor-derived T cells in the context of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or solid organ transplantation, initiating a complex immune response (ResearchGate, 2024). This recognition is the fundamental driver of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), where donor cells attack recipient tissues, but it also mediates the beneficial graft-versus-tumor (GVT) effect in hematological malignancies (JST, 2024). Therapeutic interventions do not typically target these antigens with a single molecule; instead, they utilize broad immunosuppressants like Tacrolimus to dampen the T-cell response or innovative cell therapies, such as regulatory T cells (Tregs), to induce tolerance (NIH, 2024). Understanding the presentation of these multiple alloantigens is critical for matching donors and recipients and for developing precision immunotherapies that can separate GVHD from GVT (ResearchGate, 2024).

Other names

AlloantigensRecipient alloantigensHistocompatibility antigensMHC antigensHLA antigensMinor histocompatibility antigens

Inhibition of T-cell activation and proliferation in response to non-self histocompatibility antigens, or induction of immunological tolerance through regulatory T-cell activity.