Minor histocompatibility antigen specific cytotoxic and regulatory immune responses in health and disease

Abstract

This thesis emphasizes the presence of minor H antigen specific immune responses directly after birth, which will be present throughout life. The presence of minor H antigen mismatched microchimeric cells obtained through pregnancy from a mother or a child play a crucial role in this. Subsequent immunization against minor H antigens can lead to both cytotoxic and tolerogenic responses. Furthermore HA-1 specific T cells can share the same TCR Vbeta, yet being functionally different. The here performed studies enhances our understanding of immune reactions after HSCT and if applicable after renal transplantation, especially regarding the birth order effect and the assumed less favourable role of women as transplant donors.