Recipient hematopoietic and immune cells expressing mismatched HLA molecules and minor histocompatibility antigens

Recipient hematopoietic and immune cells expressing mismatched HLA molecules and minor histocompatibility antigens represent the cellular substrate for alloreactivity in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). These cells present Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) and minor histocompatibility antigens (mHAs) that are recognized as foreign by donor-derived T lymphocytes (StatPearls: Graft Versus Host Disease, 2023). This recognition process is the fundamental driver of Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD), where donor immune cells attack recipient tissues, but it also facilitates the beneficial Graft-versus-Leukemia (GvL) effect (NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms). While not a single molecular target, this cellular population is the focus of transplant immunology and GvHD prophylaxis strategies. Pharmacological interventions, such as calcineurin inhibitors and corticosteroids, aim to suppress the donor T-cell response to these recipient antigens rather than targeting the recipient cells directly (Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2020). Management of this interaction is critical for balancing the prevention of severe GvHD with the maintenance of anti-tumor immunity (Blood Journal, 2018).

Other names

Recipient alloantigen-presenting cellsHost hematopoietic cellsMismatched host alloantigensHost immune cells in HSCT

Inhibition of donor T-cell activation, proliferation, and effector functions directed against recipient-expressed HLA and minor histocompatibility antigens.