Impact of immunoglobulin preparations on anti-HLA antibody specificity analysis

Abstract

Background: Donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) targeting human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) substantially reduce the longevity of transplanted organs. Desensitization of DSA-positive renal transplant recipients is achieved through intravenous administration of immunoglobulin (IVIg). However, the presence and detectability of anti-HLA antibodies in IVIg preparations following administration are not fully understood. We aimed to assess whether immunoglobulin preparations contain anti-HLA antibodies that can be detected as passive antibodies when administered into the body.

Methods: We evaluated 3 immunoglobulin preparations from different pharmaceutical companies, using anti-HLA class I and II antibody specificity tests and immunocomplex capture fluorescence analysis (ICFA).

Results: Direct testing for anti-HLA antibodies resulted in high background errors, particularly for Venoglobulin. Diluting Venoglobulin to physiological concentrations revealed the presence of anti-HLA class I antibodies; however, no common alleles were found between the specificity identification test and ICFA.For Glovenin and Venilon, anti-HLA class I and II antibodies were detected; however, variability was observed across different test reagent lots. Moreover, dilution of the globulin formulation revealed a prozone phenomenon.

Conclusion: The administration of IVIg complicates the accurate detection of anti-HLA antibodies, underscoring the need for careful interpretation of test results post-IVIg administration.

Keywords: anti-HLA antibody; desensitization; immunology; intravenous immunoglobulin; transfusion medicine; transplantation.