Investigation of the Relationship Between BK Virus and Human Leukocyte Antigens in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

OBJECTIVES

The main function of HLA is to present antigens to lymphocytes and to initiate specific immune responses. Autoimmune, viral, allergic, and neurologic diseases have been found to be related to HLA molecules. In renal transplant, the main target of the recipient's immune system is the HLA molecules on the surface of donor cells. HLA also plays a role in the development of an immune response to viral infections. After renal transplant, BK virus infections may occur due to immunosuppression. Here, we investigated the relationship between HLA and BK virus in renal transplant recipients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study investigated HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-DR tissue typing before renal transplant. DNA was isolated from whole blood, and tissue typing tests were performed based on polymerase chain reaction. Patients were tested for BK virus posttransplant using DNA isolated from urine and/or plasma samples.

RESULTS

We found HLA-B13 allele to be a protective factor (P < .049; odds ratio: 0.131; 95% confidence interval, 0.017-1.029) and HLA-DRB103 allele to be a possible risk factor (P < .029; odds ratio: 2.521; 95% confidence interval, 1.157-5.490) against BK virus. No significant relationships were found between BK virus and age, sex, donor type, and HLA mismatch.

CONCLUSIONS

HLA class I molecules are known to be effective against viruses with the help of cytotoxic T cells. HLA-B13 alleles within the HLA class I molecules were identified as protective factors against BK virus. HLA class II is associated with CD4-positive T cells that help secrete immune system cytokines, playing a role in stimulating and suppressing the immune system. We demonstrated that HLA-DRB103 allele could be a risk factor against BK virus. This allele may be associated with immunomodulatory cytokine secretion of the immune system.