Both self and non-inherited maternal HLA antigens influence the immune response
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Updated: Oct 16, 2026

Personalized Peptide Arrays for Detection of HLA Alloantibodies in Organ Transplantation
Published on: September 6, 2017
1Dept of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands. vanrood@europdonor.nl
Abstract:
Recent studies suggest that exposure of the fetus and newborn to non-inherited maternal major histocompatibility complex HLA antigens (NIMA) has a life-long effect on allograft recognition that could influence tolerance of organ grafts. NIMA also appear to influence disease susceptibility. Here, Jon van Rood and Frans Claas discuss evidence that three HLA haplotypes, those inherited from the parents plus NIMA, shape the immune response.
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