PUBLISHED BY
Matern BM, Spierings E, Bandstra S, Madbouly A, Schaub S, Weimer ET and Niemann M
PUBLISHED IN
Frontiers in Genetics
PATIENTS
4735
ABSTRACT
Modern histocompatibility algorithms depend on the comparison and analysis of high-resolution HLA protein sequences and structures, especially when considering epitope-based algorithms, which aim to model the interactions involved in antibody or T cell binding. HLA genotype imputation can be performed in the cases where only low/intermediate-resolution HLA genotype is available or if specific loci are missing, and by providing an individuals’ race/ethnicity/ancestry information, imputation results can be more accurate. This study assesses the effect of imputing high-resolution genotypes on molecular mismatch scores under a variety of ancestry assumptions.
HIGHLIGHTS
- High-resolution HLA protein sequences are key for epitope-based algorithms that model immune interactions.
- HLA genotype imputation improves when ancestry data is considered, especially for missing or low-resolution genotypes.
- The study compares molecular matching scores between true high-resolution and imputed genotypes.
- Multiple imputation reduces errors better than single imputation, particularly with accurate ancestry assumptions.
- Imputation is effective and low-risk for epitope analysis if the strategy and context are carefully managed.
