Impact of human leucocyte antigen class II polymorphism on anti‐red blood cell antibody development: Correlations and indications

AbstractBackround and ObjectivesBlood transfusion therapy is vital for many patient groups. They can cause many complications, and the development of anti‐red blood cell (RBC) antibodies is of significant importance. Molecules of class II human leucocyte antigens (HLA) are one of the several factors that influence antibody development in patients.Materials and MethodsIn this study, we investigated 108 patients who developed antibodies against different erythrocyte antigens and 115 patients on multiple transfusion therapies who did not develop anti‐RBC antibodies. The HLA loci HLA‐DRB1 and HLA‐DQB1 were typed using commercial molecular assays routinely used in HLA laboratories.ResultsAn increased frequency of the HLA‐DRB1*04 allele group was observed in patients who developed antibodies. Additionally, HLA‐DRB1*09 was also significant for anti‐E development and in patients with multi‐specific alloimmunization. It was found that the HLA‐DRB1*07 allele group is associated with antibodies to antigents of the Rh and MNS systems but also lacks an association with anti‐K development. The HLA‐DRB1*11 and ‐DRB1*01 allele groups displayed a protective mechanism for anti‐E development, similar to that of HLA‐DQB1*02 for anti‐K.ConclusionThere is an association between various HLA class II alleles and anti‐RBC development.