EpHLA: An innovative and user-friendly software automating the HLAMatchmaker algorithm for antibody analysis

Abstract

We successfully developed software, which enables the automated definition of the epitope specificities of HLA antibodies. This new tool will benefit the management of recipient/donor pairs selection for highly sensitized patients.

The use of a potential novel tool in virtual crossmatching for platelet transfusion in platelet refractoriness

“…In the next step, Labscreen Comma Separated Values (CSV) data obtained in Luminex analysis from each patient were adapted (substitution of commas for dots) to input in the EpHLA automation software (NIT 000083/2011, INPI Brazil). Patient′s eplets (self‐eplets) were identified in the eplet list as previously described . The remaining eplets (non‐self‐eplets) were then counted and categorized either as reactive or non‐reactive, based on the cut‐off value of the median fluorescence intensity (MFI) value (defined as 500 according to manufacturer′s directions).…”

“…Non‐reactive eplets (assigned blue in software screen) were those appearing in HLA alleles of the panel, which had an MFI value lower than the cut‐off value. Reactive eplets (assigned black or red in software screen) were those appearing only in HLA alleles, which had an MFI value higher than the cut‐off value (for detailed software information, see reference and https://www.epvix.com.br/). The last step was to perform the virtual HLA Class I crossmatch.…”

“…However, the HLAMatchmaker analysis currently requires the creation of temporary files and the manual input of data in electronic spreadsheets, which is time‐consuming and prone to clerical errors. Recently, the ‘EpHLA software’ has been developed by the group of Dr. do Monte . In 2013, the EpHLA had an upgrade to a web version, which is now in use, the EpVix.…”

16th IHIW: A Website for Antibody‐Defined HLA Epitope Registry

“…A dedicated website (http://epregistry.ufpi.br) has been developed in the Department of Informatics and Statistics, Federal University of Piauí (Teresina, Brazil). This group has also developed a software program for epitope analysis of HLA antibodies (Sousa et al, 2011). The website provides access to five separate epitope databases: Class I ABC, DRB1/3/4/5, DQB + DQA, DPB + DPA and MICA.…”

Transplante renal com doador vivo após dessensibilização com imunoglobulinas polivalentes: impacto nos anticorpos específicos contra o doador

“…Em 2011, Semiramis do Monte e colaboradores desenvolveram um software (EpHLA), que automatiza e, desta forma, simplifica a análise de epítopos aceitáveis e inaceitáveis com base no algoritmo HLA matchmaker. Esta ferramenta é importante para identificar os pacientes de risco para rejeição mediada por anticorpos e diminuir a incidência de erro humano na análise das incompatibilidades aceitáveis (9) . O transplante renal com doador vivo é uma alternativa para reduzir o tempo em lista dos pacientes em terapia renal substitutiva.…”