The clinical significance of HLA antibody in platelet transfusion refractoriness

Abstract

A fluorescent microbeads assay with the Luminex system, used for detection of HLA antibody (Ab), is simple and highly sensitive. However, this method is indicated to detect clinically insignificant Abs such as low-titer HLA Abs and non-HLA Abs. While the IgG subclass and complement activation are reported to affect the transplantation outcomes, the relationship of HLA Ab and platelet transfusion refractoriness (PTR) is not fully understood. In this brief review, I summarize the evaluation of clinical significance of HLA Ab in PTR using in vitro phagocytosis assay of platelets with a pH sensitive dye.