Identification of Antibodies to DQβ:DRα Interisotypic Heterodimers in Human Sera.

Background: HLA class II antigens, DR, DQ, and DP, comprised an α and β chains, which typically combine, within the same isotype, to form the major histocompatibility complex:peptide complex. Interisotypic pairing is not commonly observed. Although reports of DQβ:DRα heterodimers exist, the pairing was reported to be unstable and, therefore, not studied to any extent.

HLA class I peptide polymorphisms contribute to class II DQβ0603:DQα0103 antibody specificity.

Antibodies reactive to human leukocyte antigens (HLA) represent a barrier for patients awaiting transplantation. Based on reactivity patterns in single-antigen bead (SAB) assays, various epitope matching algorithms have been proposed to improve transplant outcomes. However, some antibody reactivities cannot be explained by amino acid motifs, leading to uncertainty about their clinical relevance.

Monitoring cell-mediated immunity during immunosuppression reduction in heart transplant recipients with severe systemic infections.

Background: Treatment for severe systemic infections in heart transplantation is reduction in immunosuppression while treating the infection. An assay that measures adenosine triphosphate production in activated lymphocytes (ImmuKnow ) objectively monitors cellular immunity of transplant recipients. In this study, we used ImmuKnow to adjust immunosuppression in heart transplant recipients with severe systemic infections.

Outcomes in highly sensitized pediatric heart transplant patients using current management strategies.

Background: Previous studies have suggested that children with pre-formed anti-HLA antibodies (PRA) undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) have increased risk for rejection, coronary artery vasculopathy (CAV) and death. In 2005, our program started utilizing aggressive desensitization (including plasmapheresis, IVIg, pulse cytoxan and rituximab) with the goal of improving outcomes for these patients. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes with this new strategy in recipients with pre-OHT high PRA (>10%) vs low PRA ≤10%).

Advocacy practices among U. S. pediatric dentists.

Purpose: Advocacy is the primary mission of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), but members' participation in advocacy is not well known. The purpose of this study was to examine advocacy by AAPD members and their attitudes toward various advocacy-related activities.

Methods: An Internet-based questionnaire, e-mailed to 4,328 AAPD members via Survey Monkey, consisted of 19 questions on: demography; advocacy training; attitudes toward advocacy; and past, recent, and current advocacy practices.