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Possible mechanisms by which alloantisera inhibit in the MLC test
1Department of Immunohaematology, University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Tissue Antigens
|January 1, 1980
Summary
This study investigated how antibodies against HLA-B7 and HLA-DRw7 affect mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) responses. Anti-DRw7 blocked both primary and secondary MLC, while anti-HLA-B7 only inhibited primary MLC, suggesting different inhibition mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Transplantation Immunology
Background:
- Mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) is a key assay for assessing T-cell alloreactivity.
- Human leukocyte antigens (HLA) play a critical role in immune recognition and transplant rejection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differential inhibitory effects of antibodies against HLA-B7 and HLA-DRw7 on primary and secondary MLC.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which these antibodies inhibit MLC responses.
Main Methods:
- MLC inhibition assays using human alloantisera specific for HLA-B7 and HLA-DRw7.
- Testing in both primary and secondary MLC settings.
- Further analysis involved selected MLC combinations, Fc receptor-negative cells, and pepsin digests of anti-HLA-B7 serum.
Main Results:
- Both anti-HLA-B7 and anti-HLA-DRw7 sera inhibited primary MLC.
- Only anti-HLA-DRw7 serum inhibited secondary MLC.
- Anti-HLA-DRw7 inhibition appeared to involve masking of DR antigens, while anti-HLA-B7 inhibition was Fc-dependent, suggesting mechanisms like antibody-dependent cellular lympholysis or suppressor cell induction.
Conclusions:
- Antibodies against different HLA loci can exert distinct inhibitory effects on MLC responses.
- HLA-DRw7 antigen masking is a likely mechanism for inhibition by anti-DRw7 antibodies.
- Fc-dependent mechanisms, potentially involving cellular cytotoxicity or suppressor cells, mediate inhibition by anti-HLA-B7 antibodies.