A F(ab')2 fragment blocking study of the HLA-B14 antigen

The HLA-B14 antigen exists in two serologically distinct forms termed Bw64 and Bw65. These two B14 subgroups were studied using the ability of F(ab')2 fragments from HLA-B14 and Bw6 antisera to block the binding of cytotoxic HLA antibodies directed towards the same or an adjacent antigenic site. The findings suggest that the B14 antigen consists of several antigenic determinants some of which are spatially distinct and others which are closely associated. A "common" determinant possessed by both B14 subtypes is proposed which is separate from a Bw64 (or Bw65) site. Additional determinants that B14 shares with B8, B18 and B38/B39 appear to be distinct from the Bw64/Bw65 site, variably associated with the B14 "common" determinant but closely adjoining the Bw6 antigen.