{Reference Type}: Case Reports
{Title}: Hiding in Plain Sight-A New Look at HLA Epitopes: A Case Report.
{Author}: Tambur AR;
{Journal}: Am J Transplant
{Volume}: 16
{Issue}: 11
{Year}: 11 2016
{Factor}: 9.369
{DOI}: 10.1111/ajt.13918
{Abstract}: "Epitope matching" has become a buzz word in solid organ transplantation. Its goal is to improve matching between donor and recipient, to minimize risk for antibody-mediated rejection and to reduce sensitization associated with graft failure. Current software allows identification and enumeration of amino acid sequence mismatches in the form of HLA eplets; however, "eplets" and "epitopes" are not interchangeable terms, and the understanding of what contributes to the antigenicity and immunogenicity of HLA B cell epitopes is still very limited and inadequate. In fact, we still do not know what constitutes an HLA epitope or how to define it in a clinically useful way. To allow for judicious implementation of epitope matching, it is critical to explore the full spectrum of factors that affect allorecognition. In exploring antibody-binding patterns, we have uncovered a potential tool-currently hidden in plain sight-that may shed light on some aspects of epitope characteristics.