Stem cell banking is not just about preserving and collecting valuable biological material. Knowing about the potential usage of stem cells transplant becomes an integral part of the treatment planning. One of the tests used to evaluate it is HLA typing.
What Is HLA Typing?
The human leukocyte antigens or HLA are proteins found on the cell surface. They allow the immune system to differentiate between its own cells and foreign cells. HLA typing determines the specific genetic differences that code for these markers.
Unlike blood groupings, which are only categorized according to ABO, HLA is a lot more complicated. This is because every individual inherits HLA features from both parents, leading to a potential unique mixture.
In case of transplantation the physician compares the HLA profile of a suitable donor to the patient’s. The more similar the two profiles, the greater the chance that the transplanted tissue will be accepted and the lower the risk of some immune complications.
Why HLA Typing Matters in Stem Cell Banking
Families interested in stem cell banking should note that HLA information may become significant if stored cells are subsequently used for transplantation. Cord blood is a source of blood-forming stem cells that can be used to treat some blood disorders, immune deficiencies and other illnesses.
In the consideration of a transplant, the physician will compare the preserved unit with the patient’s clinical needs and other potential donors. HLA typing information can provide an indication as to whether the banked cells are compatible.
Using cord blood permits greater HLA mismatch tolerance, providing viable alternative in the absence of fully matched donor. Nevertheless, the transplant team will have conducted a thorough compatibility assessment.
How HLA Testing Supports Donor Selection
HLA testing usually requires a collection of blood sample, or another type of biological sample, and testing it for the presence of the particular HLA markers. Nowadays, laboratories analyze several regions of the genome with considerable accuracy.
Researchers can then benchmark the results against other family members or possible recipients. This information can aid physicians in assessing:
- The appropriateness of a stem cell unit for transplantation.
- The level of match between the donor and the recipient
- The possible risk of immune related complications
- Whether to consider alternative sources of donors
HLA Typing and Long-Term Stem Cell Planning
The general principle behind stem cell banking is that for the future it holds an option. HLA typing provides an additional layer of information that proves invaluable should transplantation becomes necessary later in life.
Nevertheless, compatibility of HLA is only one factor. Cell dose, viability, as well as disease and clinical condition, are additional factors to be considered.
Conclusion
HLA typing offers valuable genetic data for immune compatibility before stem cell transplantation. This data, as part of the stem cell bank inventory, enables clinicians to determine whether preserved cord blood or other stem cell sources are right for a particular recipient. Clinicians determine transplant suitability on a case-by-case basis, weighing HLA typing results in parallel with comprehensive medical and laboratory data.
