[HLA class II DP antigens and bone marrow transplantation]

The biochemical structure of the HLA class II DP antigens is close to that of the remainder DR and DQ isotypes. Nevertheless, they may play a peculiar functional role. Their importance in bone marrow transplantation, where a complete HLA class II identity between graft donor and recipient is requested, is not yet known. The detection of a DP mismatch by using the mixed lymphocyte reaction is quite difficult. The role of such a mismatch in the incidence of graft versus host disease (GVHD) or graft rejection has to be defined. Studies on large series of recombinant families, using oligotyping, are necessary.