Virtual crossmatching and epitope analysis in kidney transplantation

Abstract

Advancements in single antigen bead (SAB) assays for the detection of anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies, along with high-resolution HLA typing, have led to significant progress in virtual crossmatching in recent years. However, misinterpretation of SAB assay results can have a substantial impact on transplant eligibility and outcomes. Eplet analysis is a method for inferring immunogenic eplets and is considered a valuable tool to enhance and complement the interpretation of SAB assays. This article provides an overview of the fundamentals of eplet analysis and its clinical applications, with a focus on its role in transplant immunology.