Cord Blood HLA Matching and Compatibility

Question 1

What does HLA stand for in the context of cord blood transplantation?

Accepted Answer

Human Leukocyte Antigen

Answer

HLA stands for Human Leukocyte Antigen, the system of proteins on cell surfaces that the immune system uses to distinguish self from non-self.

Question 2

What is the minimum HLA match typically required for a cord blood unit to be considered for transplantation?

Accepted Answer

4/6 match

Answer

A minimum 4/6 HLA match is typically required for cord blood transplantation, permitting more mismatches than adult unrelated donor transplants.

Question 3

On which chromosome is the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), which encodes HLA genes, located?

Accepted Answer

Chromosome 6

Answer

The MHC, which encodes HLA genes, is located on the short arm of chromosome 6.

Question 4

What is the term for the set of HLA alleles inherited together as a unit from one parent?

Accepted Answer

Haplotype

Answer

A haplotype is the combination of HLA alleles located on a single chromosome and inherited together from one parent.

Question 5

Which HLA class presents intracellular peptides primarily to CD8+ cytotoxic T cells?

Accepted Answer

Class I (HLA-A, B, C)

Answer

HLA Class I molecules (HLA-A, B, C) are expressed on nearly all nucleated cells and present peptides to CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes.

Cord Blood Practice Test