Abstract
Minor histocompatibility antigens (miHA) are responsible for the occurrence of graft-versus-host disease in the setting of a major histocompatibility complex matched sibling allogeneic stem cell transplantation. These miHA are peptide fragments that are associated with major histocompatibility complex class I or class II antigens. Elegant experiments have led to the molecular characterization of these antigens. Efforts to prevent graft-versus-host disease could be targeted through this pathway by matching for these miHA or by preventing antigen recognition. Alternatively, these miHA could be exploited as targets for a more potent graft-versus-malignancy effect. This area of miHA promises to continue to be an exciting area of continued research.
Publication types
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Antigen Presentation / genetics
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Antigen Presentation / immunology
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Antigen-Presenting Cells / immunology
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Chromosomes, Human, Pair 6 / genetics
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Graft vs Host Disease / etiology*
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Graft vs Host Disease / genetics
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Graft vs Host Disease / immunology*
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Graft vs Host Disease / therapy
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Graft vs Tumor Effect / genetics
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Graft vs Tumor Effect / immunology*
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Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
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Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / genetics
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Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / immunology
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Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / genetics
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Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / immunology
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Histocompatibility Testing
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Humans
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Lymphocyte Activation / immunology
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Minor Histocompatibility Antigens / genetics
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Minor Histocompatibility Antigens / immunology*
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Peptides / immunology
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T-Lymphocytes / immunology
Substances
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Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
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Histocompatibility Antigens Class II
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Minor Histocompatibility Antigens
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Peptides