Detection of class II antigens on human nasal cartilage

The presence and distribution of class II antigens on human nasal cartilage was investigated using monoclonal antibodies directed against HLA-DR, HLA-DP, and HLA-DQ molecules. Tissue sections and chondrocytes in suspension were prepared for immunoperoxidase staining and flow cytometric analysis. Class II antigens were detected primarily on the perichondrium. In contrast, chondrocytes, either isolated or in tissue sections, were completely negative, suggesting that cells of the perichondrium, may, by themselves, be capable of initiating a rejection process.