HLA epitopes in kidney transplantation: from basic science to clinical application

Bezstarosti, S. (2023)

Doctoral Thesis

Kidney transplantation is the best treatment option for patients with kidney failure. Unfortunately many patients lose their allograft due to (chronic) rejection. Rejection is caused by the immune reaction of the recipient against the donor’s human leukocyte antigens (HLA). While traditional kidney allocation is based on HLA matching on the antigen level, matching on the epitope level could be more feasible. Furthermore, epitope mismatch analysis could be used for post-transplant risk stratification, enabling the personalisation of immunosuppressive treatment for kidney transplant recipients. In this thesis, the basic science and clinical application of HLA epitopes in kidney transplantation are discussed.

• Nephrology
• Immunology
• Donor-specific antibody
• Monoclonal antibody
• Immunosuppression
• Eplet
• Human leukocyte antigen
• Mesenchymal stromal cell
• Molecular mismatch
• Rejection

• All authors: Bezstarosti, S.
• Supervisor: Fijter, J.W. de; Reinders, M.E.J.
• Co-supervisor: Heidt, S.
• Committee: Kooten, C. van; Berger, S.P.; Naesens, M.; Tambur, A.R.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Faculty of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden University
• Date: 2023-10-05
• ISBN (print): 9789464833003