Complexity of KIR allele identification pipeline design

Abstract

In Czechia, 1200 people are diagnosed with hemato-oncological disease each year. Treatment of this disease involves hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and its’ success depends on choosing the suitable donor. Although genetic variant in genes other than Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) are not primary criteria for the donor selection, their influence can play a role in the patient outcome and it is usually involved in post-transplant conditions (GVL, GVHD). Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genes, affecting HSCT outcome by presence/absence of specific gene, are currently studied for their potential through gene variants (alleles). An analytical pipeline that enables quick and easy assessment of KIR allele is desirable. However, during the pipeline design, it is necessary to address and manage certain issues.