Rapid method for successful HLA class I and II typing from cadaveric blood for direct matching in cornea transplantation

Abstract

These results lead to the following typing strategy: HLA class I typing should be performed by serology. HLA class II typing should be performed by DNA technology because of its relative independence of the quality of the blood sample. The strategy we have developed is very successful and fast for tissue typing post mortem, thus expanding the time available for ideal HLA matching, increasing the number of available HLA-matched corneas and therefore reducing the number of graft rejections.

Homologous penetrating central limbo‐keratoplasty (HPCLK) in bilateral limbal stem cell insufficiency

“…epithelial health problems in endogenous eczema or in limbal stem cell deficiency. It is our conviction that, with new moleculargenetic methods of HLAtyping (Wernet 1998) and a clear differentiation between the types of high-risk keratoplasties the favourable influence of HLA-matching on the prognosis of homologous grafts of every kind will be shown in the future, and this will of course apply also to the prognosis of homologous penetrating central corneolimbal grafts.…”

Improvement of graft prognosis in penetrating normal-risk keratoplasty by HLA class I and II matching

“…30 For HLA matching, only broad antigens (class I: A, B; class II: DR) were considered (Tables 2b and c).…”

“…In the past, serological typing of class I was shown to deliver reliable results. 30 This is not the case for HLA class II, even if material from heart-beating donors is analysed. 28,29 In penetrating keratoplasty, however, blood from cornea donors is often obtained up to 72 h after death.…”

“…In this study, therefore, the DR locus was determined exclusively by immunogenetic means. 30 The expression of class I and II antigens in the cornea is still controversially discussed. 41 After incubation with gamma-interferon, however, class II antigens are expressed on all corneal cells including the endothelium.…”

“…This is especially true when blood obtained up to 72 h after the donor's death is analysed. 11,30 In previous keratoplasty studies, however, HLA typing had been performed almost exclusively serologically.…”