Human lymphocyte-dependent antibody mediated cytotoxicity and direct lymphocyte cytotoxicity against non-HL-A antigens.

Abstract

EXPRESSION of the major transplantation antigens in humans is generally considered to be controlled by the genes of the HL-A region1–4. Skin, kidney and bone marrow transplants usually survive longer when donors and recipients are HL-A identical than when they are not5–7. However, the fact that grafts are still rejected with HL-A identity and negative mixed lymphocyte reactivity (MLR)8–11 strongly suggests the presence of minor transplantation antigens. The major problem to date has been the development of in vitro assay systems to detect these antigens.