Analysis of KIR Genes in HLA-Identical Sibling
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in
Thai Patients with Leukemia
Natta Wongwuttisaroj BSc*, Sasijit Vejbaesya MD*,
Viroje Chongkolwatana MD*, Surapol Issaragrisil MD**
Affiliation :
* Department of Transfusion Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
** Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Background : Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are members of a group of regulatory molecules found on
the natural killer (NK) cells that regulate NK cells function by interacting with the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I
molecules or ligands. The effects of KIR genes on the outcome of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are still
controversial.
Objective : To investigate the distribution of KIR genes in HLA-identical sibling and the effect of KIR genes on the outcome
of HSCT.
Material and Method: The present study included 74 patients and their HLA-identical sibling donors. KIR genes and HLA
ligands typing were determined by polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primer (PCR-SSP). A retrospective study
was carried out to analyze the outcomes of the recipients.
Results : There was no effect of KIR gene mismatch and missing ligand on the outcome regarding graft-versus host disease
(GVHD), relapse, and overall survival (OS) (p > 0.05). However, the presence of donor activating KIR2DS5 was associated
with decreased aGVHD (p = 0.01).
Conclusion : Our findings suggest an important role of donor activating KIR in identical sibling HSCT.
Keywords : Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors, KIR, Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, HSCT, Thai
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