[Matching minor transplantation antigens in penetrating keratoplasty]

E Spierings1, T Reinhard, E Goulmy

  • 1Abteilung für Immunhämatologie und Bluttransfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Niederlande.

Specific recognition of foreign tissue is a common feature in higher vertebrates. This capability has commonly been ascribed to the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex. Recent developments, however, point to an outstanding role of minor H antigens, especially in the context of corneal transplantation. It is likely that the matching of selected minor H antigens will further improve rejection free, clear graft survival following penetrating keratoplasty in the not so distant future.