Detection of HLA-antibodies prior to renal transplantation : prospects and limitations of new assays

Donor-specific HLA antibodies are responsible for most early renal allograft rejections and allograft losses. Therefore, detection of HLA antibodies prior to transplantation is an important step in the evaluation of renal allograft recipients. In this mini-review we will describe recent advances in the techniques used to detect donor-specific HLA antibodies with emphasis on their potential application for patient management and their current limitations.