What is HLA typing and GVHD and what are the benefits of cord blood?
HLA matching refers to six proteins called Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) that appear on the surface of white blood cells and other tissues in the body. These six HLA points, determine tissue compatibility between the recipient patient and the donor. Although a perfect match would be best, studies have shown that cord blood transplants are successful, even when only three of the six HLA parameters match. GVHD is one of the most common and life threatening side effects of a stem cell/bone marrow transplant. GVHD occurs when the transplanted stem cells recognize the recipient’s body as foreign, and “reject” it. Cord blood transplants have reduced risk of GVHD since the stem cells from the donor do not need to match the recipient as closely as with bone marrow.
