The influence of DR match of blood donor and recipient on the formation of T- and B-cell antibodies and on renal allograft outcome.

It has been shown that patients transfused with one unit of blood mismatched for both HLA DR antigens have an increased rate of formation of cytotoxic leucocyte antibodies compared to patients who received blood which differs in only one DR antigen. In the same study it was found that DR sharing of the blood transfusion donor and patient improved results of kidney and heart transplantation. However, the data were mostly collected in a retrospective manner and came from various centres. Furthermore, no information was available on whether these antibodies were directed to B- or T-cells. Therefore, the influence of DR match of recipient and blood donor on the formation of T- and B-cell antibodies as well as on clinical course after kidney transplantation was studied prospectively in patients transplanted in one centre.