Evaluation of GenDx Protocol for HLA NGS Genotyping Using the Ion Torrent Sequencing Platform

The Human Major Histocompatibility Complex (HLA) is the most polymorphic region of the human genome and encodes molecules with a central role in antigen-specific immune responses. Class I and class II HLA genes have an important role in bone marrow and solid organ transplantations. HLA typing by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) provides unambiguous second field or allelic level resolution and, therefore, better matching of donor and recipient and a higher chance of survival for transplanted patients. The aim of this study was to validate GenDx NGS HLA typing protocol for 6 HLA loci (HLA-A, -B, -C, DRB1, -DQB1 and DPB1).