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Examination of four HLA class I pseudogenes. Common events in the evolution of HLA genes and pseudogenes.

The HLA class I gene family in lymphoblastoid cell line 721 has been studied in detail and a number of sequences in addition to the classical genes have been identified. The cloning, characterization, and nucleotide sequences of four sequences, all full length HLA class I pseudogenes, are described in this report. These pseudogenes, contained within 5.4-, 5.9-, 7.0-, and 9.2-kb HindIII fragments, each have the class I exon-intron structure as well as class I homology in their 5' and 3' flanking regions. However, all four sequences have one or more substitutions that perturb the coding region, leaving little doubt that they are in fact pseudogenes. Comparisons among these sequences and the HLA class I genes revealed that their homology with the class I genes is patchwork. Thus, although some regions have diverged, other contiguous intron-exon sequences are highly conserved. Comparisons in the 5' regions indicate that the pseudogene promoters more closely resemble the classical HLA promoters than the nonclassical promoters as none of the unique structural features found in the HLA-E, -F, or -G regulatory regions are present in any of the pseudogene promoters. Further comparisons revealed that at least two putative gene conversion events, similar to those hypothesized to have occurred in the evolution of some HLA genes, may have occurred in the evolution of some of the pseudogenes. These and other hypothetical events in the evolution of the class I gene family are discussed.

Base Sequence↗

Structural relatedness of distinct determinants recognized by monoclonal antibody TP25.99 on beta 2-microglobulin-associated and beta 2-microglobulin-free HLA class I heavy chains.

The association of HLA class I heavy chains with beta2-microglobulin (beta2m) changes their antigenic profile. As a result, Abs react with either beta2m-free or beta2m-associated HLA class I heavy chains. An exception to this rule is the mAb TP25.99, which reacts with both beta2m-associated and beta2m-free HLA class I heavy chains. The reactivity with beta2m-associated HLA class I heavy chains is mediated by a conformational determinant expressed on all HLA-A, -B, and -C Ags. This determinant has been mapped to amino acid residues 194-198 in the alpha3 domain. The reactivity with beta2m-free HLA class I heavy chains is mediated by a linear determinant expressed on all HLA-B Ags except the HLA-B73 allospecificity and on <50% of HLA-A allospecificities. The latter determinant has been mapped to amino acid residues 239-242, 245, and 246 in the alpha3 domain. The conformational and the linear determinants share several structural features, but have no homology in their amino acid sequence. mAb TP25.99 represents the first example of a mAb recognizing two distinct and spatially distant determinants on a protein. The structural homology of a linear and a conformational determinant on an antigenic entity provides a molecular mechanism for the sharing of specificity by B and TCRs.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Increased beta2-microglobulin-free HLA class I heavy chain serum levels in the course of immune responses to viral antigens and to mismatched HLA antigens.

Besides being present in serum in association with beta2-mu, HLA class I heavy chains are also present in serum as beta2-micro-free moieties. The increase in serum levels of beta2-micro-associated HLA class I heavy chains in conditions associated with an activation of the immune system have prompted us to measure the serum levels of beta2-mu-free HLA class I heavy chains in the course of immune responses to viral antigens and to mismatched histocompatibility antigens. The serum level of beta2-mu-free HLA class I heavy chains, like that of beta2-mu-associated HLA class I heavy chains was significantly increased in patients affected by advanced HIV-1 infection or by chronic hepatitis C (CHC). In the latter group of patients an association was found between a reduction in the beta2-mu-free HLA class I heavy chain serum level and response to therapy with interferon alpha and ribavirin. Moreover, the beta2-mu-free HLA class I heavy chain serum level was increased more than that of beta2-mu-associated HLA class I heavy chains during episodes of liver ischemia following liver transplantation and in the course of acute graft rejection and of acute graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). These results suggest that the serum levels of beta2-mu-free and beta2-mu-associated HLA class I heavy chains are independently regulated. Furthermore, beta2-mu-free HLA class I heavy chain serum level may be a useful marker to monitor response to therapy in CHC patients and the clinical course of liver and bone marrow grafts.

Adult↗

Cytokine modulatable signalling through macrophage HLA class II. 1. IFN-gamma upregulates the efficiency of Ca2+ mobilization in response to ligation of macrophage HLA-DP.

The human macrophage line 2MAC, established recently from peripheral blood, expresses a number of lineage-specific markers as well as a broad array of intercellular adhesion molecules, including high levels of HLA class I and class II. We have presented evidence elsewhere that 2MAC can be productively applied to the study of signal transduction through macrophage HLA class II. Namely, we showed that ligation of 2MAC HLA class II, but not HLA class I, by monoclonal antibody (mAb) elicits an increase in free cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]i. Moreover, this Ca2+ flux appears to be functionally relevant: ligation of HLA-DR, but not HLA class I, by mAb results in the Ca2+ mobilization-dependent induction of tissue factor, the high-affinity cellular receptor for factor VII/VIIa. Here we show that 2MAC is uniquely valuable for addressing the efficiency of signal transduction through HLA class II. Namely, we show here that prior culture of 2MAC cells with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) profoundly upregulates subsequent Ca2+ mobilization in response to ligation of HLA-DP in the absence of increased cell surface HLA-DP expression. Because IFN-gamma has no effect on 2MAC HLA-DP expression, IFN-gamma must upregulate Ca2+ mobilization by increasing the efficiency of signal transduction through HLA class II (HLA-DP), by targeting some other component of the macrophage HLA class II signalling pathway.

Calcium↗

Syngeneic anti-idiotypic antisera to murine monoclonal antibodies to monomorphic and polymorphic determinants of HLA class I antigens.

BALB/c mice were immunized with syngeneic anti-HLA class I monoclonal antibodies. The latter included the anti-HLA-A2, A28 monoclonal antibody (MoAb) CR11-351, the MoAb Q6/64 to a determinant restricted to HLA-B antigens and the MoAb CR10-215 and CR11-115 to the same (or spatially close) monomorphic determinant. Anti-idiotypic antibodies could be detected in bleedings obtained 3 days after the first booster, increased in titer in bleedings obtained after the second booster, and persisted at high levels in subsequent bleedings. The four anti-HLA class I MoAb did not differ in their ability to elicit syngeneic anti-idiotypic antibodies. Cross-blocking studies with a panel of anti-HLA class I, anti-HLA class II, and anti-human melanoma-associated antigen (MAA) MoAb showed that the anti-MoAb CR10-215 and anti-MoAb CR11-115 antisera contain only antibodies to private idiotopes, whereas the anti-HLA MoAb CR11-351 and anti-MoAb Q6/64 antisera also contain antibodies to public idiotopes. The latter are expressed by the anti-HLA class I MoAb CR11-351, Q1/28, Q6/64, and 6/31, and by the anti-HLA class II MoAb Q5/6, Q5/13, 127, and 441. Public idiotopes were not detected on the nine anti-MAA MoAb tested. Public idiotopes do not interfere with the binding of anti-HLA MoAb with the corresponding antigenic determinants. On the other hand private idiotopes are located within the antigen-combining site, because anti-idiotypic antisera specifically inhibit the binding of the corresponding immunizing anti-HLA class I MoAb to cultured human lymphoid cells in a dose-dependent manner. Analysis by isoelectric focusing of the anti-HLA class I MoAb antisera showed that the spectrotype of the anti-MoAb CR11-351 antiserum comprises four components that focus in the pH 6.9 to 6.2 range, the spectrotype of anti-MoAb Q6/64 antiserum comprises three components that focus in the pH 6.5 to 6.1 range, the spectrotype of the anti-MoAb CR10-215 antiserum comprises three components that focus in the pH 6.4 to 6.1 range, and the spectrotype of the anti-MoAb CR11-115 antiserum comprises three components that focus in the pH 6.6 to 6.4 range.

Animals↗

Lithocholic acid inhibits the expression of HLA class I genes in colon adenocarcinoma cells. Differential effect on HLA-A, -B and -C loci.

Loss of HLA antigen expression is considered to be one of the mechanisms whereby tumor cells escape immune surveillance. We recently observed reduced or lost expression of HLA antigens during human colon carcinogenesis. We studied the effect of bile acids (BAs), long implicated in the pathogenesis of colon cancer, on the expression of HLA class I antigens in human colon adenocarcinoma cells. Lithocholic acid (LCA) decreased by 42% the expression of HLA class I antigens on the surface of these cells. This dose-dependent reduction was specific for both the target genes and the chemical structure of LCA, and was not evident in cultured liver cells. None of the other BAs that were tested manifested this effect. LCA, and to a lesser extent deoxycholic acid (DCA), decreased steady-state HLA class I mRNA levels. LCA decreased the rate of transcription of HLA-B (64%) and HLA-C (87%) but not HLA-A; DCA had a similar but less pronounced effect. In transient gene expression (CAT assays) experiments, we evaluated the role of a 0.6-0.7 kb EcoRI/XbaI sequence from the 5' flanking region of HLA-A2, -B7 and -Cw7 genes in the regulation of class I gene expression by LCA. LCA down-regulated by 70% the expression of the reporter gene for all three genes. We interpret these results as indicating a differential regulation of the three HLA loci by LCA. Our findings, demonstrating a profound effect of LCA on HLA class I gene regulation, raise the possibility that such a mechanism may be operative in vivo.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Peptide-based molecular analyses of HLA class II-associated susceptibility to autoimmune diseases.

Recent advances in knowledge of crystal structures of MHC class II molecules has advanced understanding of the molecular basis for interactions between peptides and HLA class II molecules. Polymorphism of HLA class II molecules influences structures of peptides bound to HLA class II molecules. To better understand mechanisms related to particular HLA class II alleles and autoimmune diseases, it is important to identify self-peptides presented by disease-susceptible HLA class II molecules and triggering disease-causative autoreactive T cells. Autoimmune diseases occur in Caucasians, Blacks and Asians, albeit with a different incidence. In some autoimmune diseases, disease-susceptible HLA class II alleles are closely related but different, and clinical manifestations of diseases differ among ethnic groups. These phenomena strongly suggest that difference in autoimmune self-peptide(s) in the context of disease-susceptible HLA class II molecules may explain the different clinical manifestations of diseases. Therefore, a comparison among disease-susceptible HLA class II alleles, autoimmune self-peptides and clinical manifestations of autoimmune diseases in different ethnic groups would be instructive. We directed efforts to determining: (1) HLA-class II alleles specific to Asian populations and which are associated with susceptibility to autoimmune diseases, (2) binding-peptide motifs for these HLA class II molecules, and (3) self-peptides presented by susceptible HLA class II molecules to stimulate autoreactive T cells related to the development of autoimmune diseases in Asians. In this review, our related recent investigations are described and the uniqueness of HLA class II-associated autoimmune diseases in Asians is given emphasis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Signal transduction in lymphocyte activation through crosslinking of HLA class I molecules.

The inhibitory effect of anti-HLA class I monoclonal antibodies on lymphocyte proliferation has been well documented. However, recent data suggest that anti-HLA class I monoclonal antibodies can enhance lymphocyte proliferation via both anti-CD3-induced (1,2) and anti-CD2-induced (3) activation pathways. Here we demonstrate that both inhibition and activation can be regulated by the degree of aggregation of HLA class I antigens. Crosslinking of monoclonal antibodies specific for HLA-A, HLA-B, or monomorphic determinants (using anti-IgG2 and/or anti-Ig kappa "second step" monoclonal antibodies) increased the capacity of anti-HLA class I monoclonal antibodies to inhibit phytohemagglutinin-induced proliferation. However, the cytosolic free calcium concentration was increased in CD4+ cells, CD8+ cells, B cells, and CD16+ cells when anti-HLA class I monoclonal antibodies were crosslinked, suggesting that an activation signal was generated by aggregation of the corresponding antigens. Indeed, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate could be detected in peripheral blood lymphocytes following crosslinking of anti-HLA class I monoclonal antibodies. Class I aggregation also induced proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the presence of submitogenic doses of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. Strong conditions of crosslinking (monomorphic monoclonal antibody plus both anti-IgG2 and anti-Ig kappa) induced CD25 expression and responsiveness to recombinant interleukin 2. Our results suggest that aggregation of HLA class I antigens primed cells to become activated in the presence of progression signals including phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, recombinant interleukin 2, or anti-CD5 plus anti-CD28 monoclonal antibodies.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

[Peptide binding motif for HLA class I and autoimmune disease].

Some HLA class I alleles are strongly associated with autoimmune diseases, such as HLA-B27 for ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and HLA-B51 for Behçet's disease. But it is not clear how the class I molecules play a role in induction of the diseases. Recent studies have shown that HLA class I associates with beta 2-microglobulin and one of a range of naturally processed short peptides. The peptides bind into a groove formed by two alpha helices and a beta-pleated sheet of HLA class I molecules. HLA class I molecules present peptides with allele-specific motifs to T cells, and CTL recognize the peptides on HLA class I molecules. Further studies of peptides bound to HLA class I molecules are expected to identify peptides associated with autoimmune disease.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Efficient incorporation of HLA class II onto human immunodeficiency virus type 1 requires envelope glycoprotein packaging.

HLA class II DR is one of the most abundant cell surface proteins incorporated onto human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) during budding. The mechanism for HLA class II protein incorporation is not known and may involve a viral protein. To determine whether Env affects HLA class II protein incorporation, HIV-1 virions, either with or without Env on their surface, were produced from HLA class II-expressing cells and analyzed by whole-virus immunoprecipitation with antisera against HLA class II proteins. HLA class II proteins were detected on virions only when wild-type Env was incorporated, while similar experiments showed that HLA class I proteins were incorporated independent of Env packaging. Therefore, the packaging of HIV-1 Env protein is required for the efficient incorporation of HLA class II but not class I proteins into the virion. Analysis of two Env mutants revealed that the presence of a 43-amino-acid sequence between amino acids 708 and 750 in the gp41(TM) cytoplasmic tail was required for efficient incorporation of HLA class II proteins. These data show that HIV-1 actively incorporates HLA class II proteins in a process that, either directly or indirectly, requires Env.

Endocytosis↗

HLA class II molecule signal transduction leads to either apoptosis or activation via two different pathways.

The class II human leukocyte antigens (HLA class II) are constitutively expressed on antigen presenting cells (APC) and are essential for peptide presentation to helper T lymphocytes. Signal transduction by HLA class II molecules on B lymphocytes has been described and has been shown in many cases to induce cellular proliferation. However, since signalling via HLA class II can also lead to apoptosis, it has not been clear how the outcome of the signals is determined. We have distinguished two separate HLA class II-initiated pathways leading to either proliferation or apoptosis of primary human B lymphocytes. Proliferation requires new gene transcription and activation of src family tyrosine kinases. In contrast, apoptosis is significantly increased in the absence of transcription/translation. It is dependent on serine/threonine phosphatases and cytoskeletal mobility. An extracellular source of calcium was essential for apoptosis, suggesting the need for sustained high level of intracellular calcium. Activation of iso-enzymes of the protein kinase C family was needed for both pathways. We therefore conclude that HLA class II molecules can initiate two distinct signalling pathways leading to either proliferation or apoptosis of APC.

Apoptosis↗

Cross-ethnic group comparisons of HLA class II alleles and insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

HLA class II associations with IDDM in populations of non-Caucasoid origin can provide important insights into the nature of the HLA and disease association. Firstly, HLA class II alleles that are rare in Caucasoids but common in other populations can be assessed for their contributory role in IDDM. Secondly, the different HLA class II gene linkage arrangements in different populations can help map the IDDM susceptibility determinants. This chapter reviews studies of HLA class II associations with IDDM in Asian Indians, Chinese, Japanese, Africans and black Americans. Most of these studies have been based on HLA-DR serology. However, DNA analyses, based on restriction fragment length polymorphism, sequence specific oligonucleotide hybridizations of polymerase chain reaction products and DNA sequencing, have made clear the identity of genes contributing to susceptibility or resistance to IDDM in populations of non-Caucasoid origin. DNA sequence analysis of the variable regions of the HLA-DQA, DQB and DRB genes has revealed at least eight alleles at HLA-DQA, 13 at HLA-DQB and 34 at HLA-DRB1. This chapter correlates HLA-DR and DQ allelic diversity with inherited predisposition to IDDM on a global basis. IDDM is strongly associated with the serological specificities of HLA-DQ, rather than with particular amino acid substitutions in class II alleles. DQw8 has a high risk for IDDM, DQw4, DQw5 and DQw9 have a lesser risk, while DQw6 and DQw7 are protective in IDDM. DQw2 is permissive for IDDM, depending on the presence of other HLA class II alleles. Increased heterozygosity at HLA is observed in Oriental patients, as it is in Caucasoid IDDM patients. The nature of this synergism is examined in terms of possible interactive effects between DQA and DQB alleles or DRB and DQB alleles; both effects could be operating. The conclusion from this genetic analysis is that molecular mimicry at HLA-DQ, with either foreign or autoantigens, may be an important mechanism in IDDM. Additionally, the anomalous role of DQw2 in IDDM suggests that a further mechanism, such as T cell activation, may control the ability to mount an immune response against autoantigens. Further studies, possibly with transfectant cell lines, are necessary to clarify the functional role of HLA class II genes in IDDM.

Alleles↗

Mutations in the HLA class II genes leading to loss of expression of HLA-DR and HLA-DQ in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Loss of expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II molecules on tumor cells affects the onset and modulation of the immune response through lack of activation of CD4+ T lymphocytes. Previously, we showed that the frequent loss of expression of HLA class II in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the testis and the central nervous system (CNS) is mainly due to homozygous deletions in the HLA region on chromosome band 6p21.3. A minority of cases showed hemizygous deletions or mitotic recombination, implying that mutation of the remaining copy of the class II genes might be involved. Here, we studied three DLBCLs with loss of HLA-DQ expression for mutations in the DQB1 and DQA1 genes and three tumors with loss of HLA-DR expression for mutations in the DRB1 and DRA genes. In one case, a point mutation in exon 2 of the DQB1 gene, leading to the formation of a stop codon, was detected at position 47. In a second case, a stop codon was found at position 11 due to a deletion of 19 bp in exon 1 of the DRA gene. No mutations were found in the promoter sequences of the DRA, DQA1 and DQB1 genes. We conclude that both homozygous deletions and hemizygous deletions or mitotic recombination with mutations of the remaining allele may lead to loss of expression of the HLA class II genes, which is comparable to the mechanisms affecting HLA class I expression in solid cancers.

Base Sequence↗

Homotypic aggregation of human cell lines by HLA class II-, class Ia- and HLA-G-specific monoclonal antibodies.

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules have been implicated in cell adhesion in two ways. In addition to the well-established role of class II antigens in low-affinity adhesion provided by interactions between class II and CD4, recent data indicated that class II may also induce adhesion between T and B cells by activating the CD18/CD11a (LFA-1) adhesion pathway. Here we report that monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against HLA-DR (L243, p4.1, HB10a, VI15) and certain broad class II reacting mAb (TU35, TU39), but not anti-DQ (TU22, Leu-10) mAb, induced homotypic aggregation of human class II-positive monocytic (I937) and T leukemic (HUT78) tumor cell lines and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) transformed B-lymphoid cell lines (EBV-LCL). Class II-negative cell lines (U-937 and the EBV-LCL mutant line 616) were not induced to aggregate. An HLA-G-transfected EBV-LCL, 221-AGN, but not the class I-negative parental line, 221, showed homotypic aggregation in response to an HLA-G specific mAb (87G) and a broad reacting class I-specific mAb (IOT2). Both cell lines responded with aggregation to anti-class II mAb (TU35). The anti-class I mAb, W6/32, had no effect on all cell lines tested and two anti-beta 2-microglobulin mAb had variable, weak effects. The aggregation response was an active, temperature-sensitive process which was almost totally abrogated by azide and by cytochalasins B and E, but unaffected by colchicine, EDTA, aphidicolin, actinomycin D and protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors (genistein, herbimycin A). Serine/threonine protein kinase inhibitors (staurosporin, H7) partly inhibited the aggregation responses. There was no strict correlation between induction of aggregation and epitope density. FcR were not involved in the aggregation response, since F(ab')2 fragments of anti-DR mAb, L243, were as effective as the whole antibody. The aggregation was not influenced by mAb against accessory molecules previously shown to be involved directly or indirectly in homotypic aggregation [CD11a (LFA-1)/CD18/CD54 (ICAM-1), CD58 (LFA-3)/CD2, BB1/CD28, CD43, and CD44]. In conclusion, these data provide further evidence that HLA molecules are implicated in a novel, cellular aggregation phenomenon involving the cytoskeleton.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Downregulation of HLA class I antigen expression in CD4+ T lymphocytes from HIV type 1-infected individuals.

The expression of HLA class I antigens is downregulated in CD4+ T cells following in vitro HIV-1 infection. We determined whether the expression of HLA class I antigens is downmodulated in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) of HIV-1-positive subjects and whether this defect correlates with disease progression. A cohort of 62 HIV-1-seropositive individuals in different stages of disease was studied. Among these, four subjects were evaluated at yearly intervals for 6 years. The expression of HLA class I, HLA class II, and CD38 antigens was analyzed in PBLs and in CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte subpopulations. The percentage of HLA class I-positive cells and the membrane density of HLA class I antigens were significantly lower in PBLs from HIV-1-positive individuals than in PBLs from HIV-negative controls, proportionally decreased with disease progression, and significantly correlated with the decrease in CD4+ T lymphocytes. Furthermore, the percentage of HLA class I-positive cells and the membrane density of HLA class I antigens were significantly lower in CD4+ T lymphocytes from AIDS patients with respect to CD4+ T lymphocytes from HIV-negative controls and to CD8+ T lymphocytes from HIV-negative controls and AIDS patients. By contrast, the expression of HLA class II and CD38 antigens was upregulated in CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes from HIV-1-positive subjects. The defective expression of HLA class I antigens could impair the lysis of HIV-infected CD4+ cells by virus-specific HLA class I-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes and contribute to the progression of disease.

Adult↗

Molecular and functional phenotypes of melanoma cells with abnormalities in HLA class I antigen expression.

Analysis of melanoma cell lines with abnormalities in HLA Class I antigen expression has identified two serological phenotypes caused by distinct molecular defects. One is characterized by lack of HLA Class I antigen expression which is not induced by IFN-gamma or by incubation at 25 degrees C for 24 hrs. This phenotype reflects structural changes in the beta(2)m gene which interfere with its transcription and/or translation or result in the synthesis of a defective beta(2)-mu polypeptide unable to associate with HLA Class I heavy chains. The other phenotype manifests very low HLA Class I antigen expression which is enhanced by IFN-gamma or by incubation at 25 degrees C for 24 hrs. This phenotype reflects abnormalities in TAP heterodimer expression, which cause defects in stable assembly and intracellular transport of the HLA Class I antigen trimolecular complex. Loss of HLA Class I antigens renders melanoma cells resistant to lysis by HLA Class I antigen-restricted cytotoxic T cells which specifically recognize melanoma associated antigens. Therefore, abnormalities in HLA Class I antigen expression may have a negative impact on the outcome of T cell based immunotherapy. Characterization of the molecular defects underlying loss of HLA Class I antigens may suggest approaches to restore their expression. Inclusion of these approaches in the protocols of T cell based immunotherapy may improve its efficacy.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

Immunohistochemical studies on the expression of HLA class I antigens in renal cell carcinoma: comparison of primary and metastatic tumor tissue.

HLA class I expression was studied in 43 specimens of normal renal tissue, 48 primary renal cell carcinomas (RCCs), and 12 metastases by immunofluorescence, using two different monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs; IOT2c, W6/32). Homogenous staining of all normal renal tissues was observed, as expected. From the panel of 48 renal tumors, 40 had a strong expression of HLA class I antigens when tested with both MoAbs, 7 tumors had only weak expression of HLA class I and were regarded as 'HLA class I negative', and 1 tumor showed homogenous staining when tested with one MoAb (IOT2c) but was negative when the other was used (W6/32). This was the only case in which different results with the two MoAbs were found. Reduced expression of HLA class I antigens was observed in 5/12 metastases, and in 1 metastasis no expression of HLA class I could be seen. The staining chartacteristics of 10 metastases in comparison with the respective primary tumors were as follows: same HLA class I score 7/10; loss of HLA class I 3/10; gain of HLA class I 0/10. In RCC, a complete loss of HLA class I expression is a rare phenomena, which was observed in 0/48 primary tumors and in 1/12 metastases. Reduced expression of HLA class I antigens occurs in about 15% of primary tumors but is more frequent (50%) in metastases; however, if this is relevant for cytotoxicity by T lymphocytes is unknown.

Carcinoma, Renal Cell↗

Reactivity of human trophoblast with an antibody to the HLA class II antigen, HLA-DP.

Cytotrophoblast cells in term amniochorion and in first trimester chorionic villi were shown by immunohistology of frozen tissue sections to bind B7/21, an antibody specific for the MHC Class II antigen, HLA-DP. This binding was shown to be specific, as adsorption of the B7/21 antibody with a B cell line expressing HLA-DP prevented subsequent binding to trophoblast. When tested with a variety of other antibodies reacting with HLA-DR, HLA-DQ or the common sequences of HLA-DR, -DQ and -DP, trophoblast was negative, thus confirming previous reports. The significance of this unique pattern of reactivity of trophoblast is discussed.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗