The immunogenomics of minor histocompatibility antigens

Immunol Rev. 2002 Dec:190:86-94. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-065x.2002.19007.x.

Abstract

Minor histocompatibility (H) antigens are a diverse assemblage of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-bound peptides with the unifying property of acting as alloantigens that induce allogeneic tissue rejection. They are a consequence of any form of accumulated genetic variation that translates to differential MHC-presented peptide epitopes, the most common form of which is simple sequence polymorphisms. The universe of potential minor H antigens is large when transplantation is performed between genetically unrelated, MHC-matched individuals, especially considering the remarkable discriminative sensitivity of T cells. However, the phenomenon of immunodominance greatly simplifies immune responses that ensue. One mouse minor H antigen, H60, stands out in that the preponderance of the CD8 T cell response elicited in a complex alloantigenic setting is directed against this single minor H antigen epitope. Its immunodominance is because mice lacking H60 develop an unusually robust T cell repertoire dedicated to this single minor H antigen. The now well-characterized mouse minor H antigen system should provide a vehicle to assess the degree to which immunodominant alloantigens contribute to transplant rejection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Genetic Variation
  • Genomics
  • Graft Rejection
  • H-Y Antigen / genetics
  • Humans
  • Major Histocompatibility Complex
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Minor Histocompatibility Loci*
  • Models, Immunological
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Transplantation, Homologous

Substances

  • H-Y Antigen